Occurrence of Aflatoxin M₁ in yogurt samples found in markets in Kosovo during spring 2023

Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁), a toxic byproduct of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) produced by Aspergillus fungi, is a carcinogenic mycotoxin that can contaminate various agricultural commodi-ties. It can be transferred from AFB₁-contami-nated feed to milk and dairy products, including yogurt, posing a potential health risk to consumers. In spring 2023, a total of 74 yogurt samples were collected from the largest food suppliers in Kosovo for analysis, including samples produced in Kosovo and seven other countries: Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Greece, Italy, and Germany. A rapid and sensitive analytical method, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent as-say (ELISA), was used for the analysis. The results of the study highlight discernible differences in the maximum tolerable levels of AFM₁ between the countries. More specifically, yogurt samples from Slovenia and Germany had lower levels than those from other coun-tries. Additionally, the median levels of AFM₁ in samples from Slovenia and Germany were significantly lower. The mean concentrations of AFM₁ in yogurt samples from Kosovo and other countries were 0.071 µg/kg and 0.080 µg/ kg, respectively. Out of all samples, 66 (89%) exceeded the maximum tolerable limit of 0.05 µg/kg. Among the exporting countries, Albania had the highest median AFM₁ level of 0.085 µg/kg and the highest maximum level of 0.195 µg/kg. Slovenia had the lowest median AFM₁ level, while Germany had the lowest maximum AFM₁ level. All samples from Al-bania, Greece, and Bosnia and Herzegovina exceeded the maximum tolerable limit. High prevalence was also observed in samples from Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. Considering the average daily consumption of about 250 grams of yogurt, and the total median value of Aflatoxin M₁ concentration (0.071 µg/kg), the estimated daily intake was calcu-lated to be 0.017 µg. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and enforcing regulatory limits to ensure yogurt safety and to protect public health. Efforts should be fo-cused on mitigating AFM₁ contamination and implementing measures to minimise its presence in dairy products, especially in regions where levels exceed the established limits.