Occurrence Of Aflatoxins In Animal Feed And Aflatoxin M1 In Milk In The Peri-Urban Area Of Bamako, Mali

Abstract

The dairy sector in the peri-urban area of Bamako plays a crucial role in supplying fresh milk to the local population. However, contamination of cattle feed with aflatoxins represents a major food safety concern. These toxins are metabolized into aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which is subsequently excreted in milk, thereby exposing consumers, particularly infants and young children, to significant health risks. This study aimed to assess aflatoxin contamination in cattle feed and milk produced in the peri-urban area of Bamako, Mali.

A total of 58 animals feed samples and 155 milk samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the results were subsequently confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). The mean total aflatoxin concentrations in feed were 5,903.78 ng/kg by ELISA and 7,576.12 ng/kg by HPLC-FLD, both exceeding the European Union regulatory limit of 4,000 ng/kg. Likewise, AFM1 concentrations in milk exceeded the maximum permissible level of 50 ng/kg established by the European Union, confirming the transfer of aflatoxins from contaminated feed to milk.

These findings demonstrate a substantial contamination of cattle feed and milk within peri-urban dairy production systems in Bamako. The results highlight the urgent need to strengthen aflatoxin monitoring and control throughout the dairy production chain in order to improve milk safety and protect public health.