Aflatoxin M1 in Colombian milk powder samples
What it found
In 51 milk powder samples from Colombia, aflatoxin M1 was found in every sample, and 55% had more than the maximum level set by Colombian and European rules.
Aflatoxin B1 was not found in any sample.
What they found
Aflatoxin M1 found
Aflatoxin M1 was detected in all 51 milk powder samples. The levels ranged from 0.20 to 1.19 µg/kg.
Above maximum level
55% of the samples had aflatoxin M1 above the maximum level of 0.5 µg/kg set by Colombian and European rules.
Aflatoxin B1 not found
Aflatoxin B1 was not detected in any of the samples.
Estimated intake
Based on the measured contamination, the most aflatoxin M1 a person could take in from milk powder was 0.007 to 0.013 µg per person per day. This is above the average dietary intake estimated for Latin America by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee, which is 0.0035 µg per person per day.
What the authors conclude
- They report that aflatoxin M1 was found in all milk powder samples and that 55% exceeded the maximum level set by Colombian and European regulations.
- They note that the estimated intake from milk powder is above the average dietary intake estimated for Latin America by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee.
How it was done
They bought 51 milk powder samples from grocery stores in the Caribbean region of Colombia. They tested the samples for aflatoxin M1 and aflatoxin B1 using a lab method called QuEChERS extraction with high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This study tested 51 milk powder samples from one region of Colombia. It cannot show aflatoxin M1 levels in milk powder from other regions or countries.
- The study measured aflatoxin levels in samples and estimated intake. It did not follow people over time to see if these levels cause any health effects.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Brazil
The paper
- Title
- Aflatoxin M 1 and B 1 in Colombian milk powder and estimated risk exposure
- Type
- Study
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Marimón Sibaja KV, Gonçalves KDM, Garcia SO, et al (2019). Aflatoxin M 1 and B 1 in Colombian milk powder and estimated risk exposure. Food additives & contaminants. Part B, Surveillance. doi:10.1080/19393210.2019.1567611PubMed 30700225DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error