The occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in industrial and traditional fermented milk: A systematic review study

Aflatoxin M-1 (AFM(1)) is a toxic secreted into the milk of animals fed with diets contaminated by aflatoxin B-1, which can cause some adverse health effects in humans. The occurrence of AFM(1) in dairy products varies based on several factors, including the fermentation process. In this article, the published citations from January 2000 to October 2020 regarding the AFM(1) occurrence in industrial and traditional fermented milk were systemically reviewed. According to the findings, a reducing trend in the AFM(1) contamination of fermented milk was observed over the years, mainly in traditional products. Despite this trend, further control measures besides the preventative approaches are needed to deal with the high levels of AFM(1) in fermented milk.