Aflatoxin M1 and ochratoxin A in baby formulae in Turkey: Occurrence and safety evaluation

During 2011, 62 samples of baby formulae were checked for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) by immunoaffinity column (IAC) clean-up and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of the analytical method were 0.005 μg kg−1 and 0.018 μg kg−1 for AFM1 and 0.006 μg kg−1 and 0.021 μg kg−1 for OTA, respectively. The recovery of AFM1 from formulae ranged between 84.27% and 88.21% (RSD = 3.54-6.18%), while the mean recoveries of OTA varied from 79.21% to 86.38% (RSD = 4.47-7.11%).Aflatoxin M1 was detected in five (8%) of formula samples, but at levels below the European legislation limit of 0.025 μg kg−1, with concentrations ranging from 0.016 to 0.022 μg kg−1 (mean level: 0.018 μg kg−1). Ochratoxin A was detected in 12 out of the 62 samples (19.4%), at levels ranging from 0.017 to 0.184 μg kg−1 (mean level: 0.103 μg kg−1). None of the samples exceeded the maximum limit for OTA set by European Commission Regulation (0.5 μg kg−1). The co-occurrence of AFM1 and OTA was present in only one sample (1.6%). The estimated daily intakes of AFM1 and OTA through formulae were in the range of 0.08-0.021 ng kg−1 b.w. and 0.034-0.305 ng kg−1 b.w., respectively. On the basis of current knowledge, it can be concluded that there is no considerable risk of AFM1 and OTA exposure for the Turkish babies and young children.

► AFM1 and OTA are toxic fungal metabolites of great concern in baby formulae. ► AFM1 and OTA levels in baby formula samples marketed in Turkey were surveyed. ► Samples were analyzed by IAC clean-up followed by HPLC-FD detection. ► No risk of AFM1 and OTA exposure for Turkish babies.