AFLATOXIN M_1 IN TRADITIONAL HOMEMADE YOGHURTS MARKETED IN SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY

摘要

This study was performed to determine the presence and levels of aflatoxin M_1 (AFM_1) in yoghurt produced by traditional methods in small scale enterprises in Mardin and Şanliurfa provinces located in Southeastern Turkey and to evaluate the yoghurt in terms of food safety. A total of 90 yoghurt samples, 42 from Mardin and 48 from Şanliurfa were collected from small-scale retailers and tested for AFM_1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AFM_1 was detected in 34 (37.8 ) of 90 yoghurt samples at the levels ranging from 10 to 515 ng/kg. Five (11.9 ) samples (ranging from 10 to 515 ng/kg) from Mardin and 29 (60.4 ) samples (ranging from 10 to 101 ng/kg) from Çanliurfa were found to be contaminated with AFM_1. There was a statistically significant difference between the samples collected Mardin and §anliurfa concerning the presence frequency of AFM_1 (p=0.000). The AFM_1 levels of 16 (17.8 ) positive yoghurt samples were higher than the legal limits. The results of this study have revealed that the traditionally produced homemade yoghurt is contaminated with AFM_1 and poses health risk for consumers.