Question

As per Food Safety and Standard Regulations (FSSR), maximum permitted limit of aflatoxin M1 in liquid milk is

• A. \(0.1\ \mu\text{g/kg}\)
• B. \(0.5\ \mu\text{g/kg}\)
• C. \(0.01\ \mu\text{g/kg}\)
• D. \(0.05\ \mu\text{g/kg}\)

Hint:

Be careful to check which regulatory standard a question is asking for:
- FSSAI (FSSR) USFDA Limit = \(0.5\ \mu\text{g/kg}\) (0.5 ppb).
- European Union (EU) Limit = \(0.05\ \mu\text{g/kg}\) (0.05 ppb).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Aflatoxins are toxic, carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by certain molds, primarily Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.
When dairy cattle consume feed contaminated with Aflatoxin B1, the toxin is metabolized in the liver into its hydroxylated form, Aflatoxin M1.
Aflatoxin M1 is then excreted in the milk, posing a significant public health risk as a Class 1 human carcinogen.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
To protect consumers from the toxic effects of mycotoxins, national and international regulatory bodies set strict maximum residues limits (MRLs) for Aflatoxin M1 in milk.
These limits vary by region:
- The European Union (EU) enforces a strict limit of \(0.05\ \mu\text{g/kg}\) (50 parts per trillion) for liquid milk.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR), establishes food safety criteria specifically for the Indian market.
- According to the FSSR, the maximum permitted limit for Aflatoxin M1 in liquid milk is set at \(0.5\ \mu\text{g/kg}\) (0.5 ppb or 500 parts per trillion).
Dairy processors must monitor milk supplies to ensure concentrations remain below this regulatory limit.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The maximum permitted limit of Aflatoxin M1 in liquid milk under FSSR is \(0.5\ \mu\text{g/kg}\).