Investigation of aflatoxin M1 in baby milk and aflatoxin B1 in infant cereals marketed in Kosovo

The presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in baby milk and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in cereal-based foods for infants marketed in Kosovo was investigated. One hundred and forty-three samples collected during 2016-2017 were analyzed by ELISA and suspected positive samples were further analyzed by LC-MS/MS. A positive incidence of 15.0% for AFM1 in baby milk and 62.14% for AFB1 in infant cereal-derived samples was found. According to the Commission Regulation and Kosovo Codex Regulation, the AFM1 levels in baby milk samples reached the interval of 0.008 to 0.123 mu g/kg, with two samples that exceeded the maximum residue levels (MRL). The AFB1 detected levels, in cereal-based foods for infant samples, ranged from 0.008 to 0.116 mu g/kg, with one of them exceeding the MRL. This survey indicates that the risk of exposure to this population group through diet is evident in Kosovo. A food safety alert system and surveillance program are essential for ensuring infant health and the entire population. Novelty impact statement Investigation of AFM1 in infant milk formulae and AFB1 in cereal-based foods for infants, two important mycotoxins with multiple health effects in humans, is the first investigation of this topic in Kosovo. Characterized by a non-diverse food diet consumption, children of 0-4 years of age, stand to high levels of exposure to food contaminants, especially AFM1 and AFB1 mycotoxins. The AFM1 incidence in the infant milk formula was found to be 15.0%, while AFB1 in cereal products for children resulted in 62.14%.