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Food Science and Technology QUESTION #5984
Question 1
Aflatoxin \(\text{M}_1\) (AFM\(_1\)) contamination in milk arises from:
  • Direct addition of aflatoxin to milk by adulterators
  • Hydroxylation of aflatoxin \(\text{B}_1\) (AFB\(_1\)) ingested by cows in contaminated feed, which is secreted as AFM\(_1\) in milk (carryover rate \(\approx 0.3\text{–}6\%\) of AFB\(_1\) intake)✔️
  • Post-pasteurization mold growth on milk surface
  • Contamination from corroded stainless steel equipment
Correct Answer Explanation
AFM\(_1\) is the 4-hydroxy metabolite of AFB\(_1\) (produced by \(Aspergillus\;flavus\) and \(A.\;parasiticus\) on contaminated feed — particularly maize and groundnuts). When dairy cows ingest AFB\(_1\)-contaminated feed, hepatic metabolism produces AFM\(_1\) secreted in milk. EU limit \(= 0.05\;\mu\text{g/kg}\) milk; US FDA limit \(= 0.5\;\mu\text{g/kg}\).