Evaluation of immunoenzymatic methods for the detection of aflatoxin M1 in ewe's milk

Ewe milk samples spiked with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) at concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 ng/kg were analysed by 5 different (Kits A to E) commercial Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay kits to evaluate the mycotoxin recovery average. The least accurate results of sensitivity were obtained at the 25 ng/kg concentration with underestimation in all cases. When the sample contamination-level was increased (50, 75 and 100 ng/kg), the results of four kits improved. Low coefficients of variation (3-14%) indicate good repeatability. Acceptable results of mean recoveries were obtained (47-60 ng/kg), especially at 50 ng/kg (EC Maximum Level) in all tests except Kit A. We conclude that Kits B, C, D and E are appropriate for the screening of AFM1 in ewe's milk, but not for regulatory purposes.