Aflatoxin M1 and M2 are metabolites of aflatoxin B1 and B2, respectively. Aflatoxin M1 and M2 are produced in the liver of animals consuming feed contaminated with high levels of B-group aflatoxin, and it occurs in their milk. These toxic and carcinogenic compounds may contaminate milk and dairy products.
Aflatoxins have strong thermal stability, so they are not completely degraded during food processing, such as cooking and milk pasteurization. To control food safety, regulatory and public health organizations have placed strict restrictions on the aflatoxin levels in food and feed. Aflatoxin contamination can be controlled by implementation of good agricultural, manufacturing and storage practices.