The aflatoxin load of Hungarian consumers was examined by Nébih specialists

One of the consequences of today’s climate change is the northward spread of aflatoxin-producing molds in Europe. This may endanger the population of countries with a moderate climate, including our country. Aflatoxins are mycotoxins that cause cancer and weaken the immune system, which are especially dangerous for young people. Among these mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is transformed in the liver into aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which is also carcinogenic and appears in cow’s milk and in dairy products. Based on the results of the national excellence program examining aflatoxin exposure (identification number: NKFIH 2018-1.2.1-NKP-2018-00002), the Hungarian population does not have to fear a significant aflatoxin risk for the time being. However, it is still essential to check feed and food in order to filter out possible contamination. Nébih performs the inspection of 130 milk samples and 200 feed samples at several points of the chain during the Integrated Multi-Year National Control Plan.

During the project, specialists from Nébih and the University of Debrecen determined an action threshold for the AFM1 content of milk (>0.02 μg/kg)

Based on EU Regulation 2023/915, the AFM1 limit for milk is 0.050 μg/kg. When the action threshold was reached, the project participants implemented an action plan, with the help of which they succeeded in reducing the toxin content of the milk below the threshold. The result above the threshold value indicated that the daily milk production of dairy farms with a higher than normal level of toxin content was mixed into the daily mixed milk. Based on this, in the following period, individual sampling and a review of the self-control system were carried out at each site. In the case of the colony where it was proven that the feed was contaminated, it was ensured that the high toxin level was reduced to the normal level again by means of a toxin binder or by changing the feed.

In addition, based on the project results, a proposal was made to amend the official aflatoxin monitoring plan

As a result of infection experiments and micrometeorological measurements of micro-parceled Aspergillus flavus (one of the most widespread aflatoxin-producing molds), it was found that the spread of the mold was significantly influenced by temperature and atmospheric dryness. The aflatoxin production was determined by extremely high daily maximum temperatures (especially above 35oC). According to the project’s experts, their microplot experimental results can contribute to the creation of a risk assessment model for Aspergillus flavus development and toxin production that takes into account the characteristics of the Carpathian Basin.

Nébih