5. Conclusion
The occurrence of AFM1 was detected at different levels in 129 samples of raw milk from Minas Gerais State, Brazil, collected in three distinct climate periods. The different climate conditions demonstrated to have influence on milk contamination with the AFM1 toxin, whereas a higher contamination was verified in raw milk samples from the dry period. The contamination levels were proven to be below the permitted limits established by Brazilian Legislation. Notwithstanding, 18 samples (13.95%) showed upper limits levels of the AFM1 toxin and could be considered inappropriate for human consumption, according to the Codex Alimentarius and European standards.
In this work, the average concentration of AFM1 in Brazilian raw milk and the estimated daily intake varied significantly for the different climate periods, verifying that climate conditions represent a risk factor for the occurrence of AFM1 in milk. Hence, effective surveillance measures should be implemented through the good agricultural practices, especially in the dry season seeking to prevent and minimize contamination by AFM1 in feedstuff provided to animals, therefore decreasing concentrations of this toxin in Brazilian milk in order assure milk quality and food safety.