Aflatoxin M1 levels of Turkish white brined cheese

This study was undertaken to determine the presence and levels of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in Turkish white brined cheese consumed in the province of Erzurum, Turkey. For this purpose, a total of 193 cheese samples were randomly obtained from retail outlets and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique was used to determine the presence and levels of AFM1. AFM1 at detectable level (50 ng/kg) was found in 82.4% of the samples. The concentration of AFM1 in samples ranged from 52 to 860 ng/kg. Of the samples, 26.4% exceed the legal limit of 250 ng/kg established by Turkish Food Codex. It was concluded that widespread occurrence of AFM1 in Turkish white brined cheese samples were considered to be possible hazards for public health especially children.