Risk analysis of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) occurrence in milchers of Jammu region, India

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a threatening risk to the safety of milk and can be potent health hazard. Being it is known for its zoonotic traits as well, it has a binding affinity for casein in milk and is relatively stable during cold storage. The purpose of the study to estimate the prevalence of AFM1 in bulk milk tank representative samples of commercial and household dairy establishments across four tehsils of Jammu and associated risk factors. A total of 620 bulk milk tank samples (6,620 individuals) were analysed using a commercial enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) kit, out of which 47 samples (75.8%) were above European Union-Maximum Permissible Limit. However, all samples were de-tected below Food Safety Standard Authority of India-Maximum Permissible Limit. The risk analysis of associated factors with AFM1 concentration found that large farms (100%), higher milk yield (81%; odds ratio of 2.29), intensive farming (78%; odds ratio of 2.1), left-over fruits and vegetables incorporated in animal feed (86%; odds ratio of 3.53), cleanliness status at the farm (86%; odds ratio of 2.71) and feed storage status (91%; odds ratio of 4.81) to be at greater risk for occurrence of AFM1 in raw milk.