Infants exposure to aflatoxin M1 as a novel foodborne zoonosis

Occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in infant formula milk powder (IFMP) and maternal breast milk (MBM) was investigated as a risk factor affects the health of newborns in Egypt. A total of 125 IFMP and 125 MBM samples were collected and examined for the presence of AFM1 using competitive ELISA test. The results indicated that the relative risk (RR) of exposure to AFM1 via consumption of MBM was higher than IFMP (RR; 1.6, 95% CI; 1.28-2.03, p = 0.0001). The mean concentrations of AFM1 were significantly differed (p < 0.0001) between MBM (74.413 ± 7.070 ng/l) and IFMP (9.796 ± 1.036 ng/l). High frequency distributions were detected within the range of 5-25 ng/l and >50-100 ng/l in IFMP and MBM, respectively. The average daily exposure of newborns to AFM1 via consumption of MBM and IFMP was 52.684 and 8.170 ng, respectively, with a significant difference at p < 0.0001. Consumption of raw milk by lactating mothers exhibited a significant correlation (p < 0.0001) with the presence of AFM1 in their milk. In conclusion, this work established a pioneering concept that AFM1 may be considered as an etiological factor for a novel foodborne zoonosis identified as Aflatoxicosis M1.

► More than half of Egyptian maternal breast milks contained AFM1 with concentrations exceeded the EC legislation limits. ► Occurrence of AFM1 in infant formula milk powder and maternal breast milk is a risk factor for newborns health in Egypt. ► AFM1 is the etiological factor for a novel foodborne zoonosis naming Aflatoxicosis M1. ► Protective strategies must be performed to liberate raw milk from contamination with AFM1.