Review On Occurrence and Public Health Significance of Aflatoxin in Dairy Products and Feed

Felmata Kenei; Mezene Woyessa; Abdu Mohammed; Kumela Lemma; Mokonin Gemmada

Authors

Felmata Kenei Departiment of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Wallaga University, P.O. B. 395, Nekemte, ETHIOPIA
Mezene Woyessa Departiment of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Wallaga University, P.O. B. 395, Nekemte, ETHIOPIA
Abdu Mohammed Departiment of Veterinary Clinical Science and laboratory technology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Wallaga University, P.O. B. 395, Nekemte, ETHIOPIA
Kumela Lemma Departiment of Animal Science, Collage of Agriculture, Wallaga University, P.O. B. 395, Shambu, ETHIOPIA
Mokonin Gemmada Departiment of Animal Science, Collage of Agriculture, Wallaga University, P.O. B. 395, Shambu, ETHIOPIA

Keywords:

Aflatoxin, Milk, Occurrence, Public Health

Abstract

Aflatoxins are toxic compounds that are produced by certain strains of fungi, namely, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. This fungus invades stressed crops in the field or proliferates in improperly stored feed. Aflatoxin is an important problem in Dairy products and feed. The presence of this mycotoxin in these products is an important issue, especially for children and infants, who are more susceptible than adults. Animals are exposed to aflatoxin by consuming feeds contaminated by aflatoxin-producing fungal strains during growth, harvest, or storage. When cows are fed contaminated feed, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is converted by hydroxylation to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which is subsequently secreted in the milk of lactating cows. The purpose of this review is to know the level of presence of Aflatoxin in milk products and feed and also to highlight its public health significance. Aflatoxins have been implicated in human health disorders, including hepatocellular carcinoma, aflatoxicosis, chronic hepatitis, immune suppression, stunted growth in children, and many others. Several researchers show that AFB1 is the most common aflatoxin in the world from most commodities at a much higher level. AFM1 was also detected as greater than the standard from milk and milk products. This indicates that many developing countries are in danger of aflatoxin contamination.

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