Abstract            Volume:14  Issue-5  Year-2026         Original Research Articles

Online ISSN : 2347 - 3215 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : editorijcret@gmail.com

Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁), a hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), is a potent, heat-stable mycotoxin excreted in milk when lactating animals consume contaminated feed. Numerous Ethiopian studies have detected AFM₁ in raw and processed milk at concentrations exceeding international limits, posing serious health risks, particularly to children. Key risk factors include poor feed storage, inadequate post-harvest handling, and weak regulatory enforcement. Reported mean AFM₁ concentrations range from20 ng/L to > 500 ng/L, with 30–70 % of samples above the EU maximum residue limit (50 ng/L). Exposure assessments show daily intakes in some groups exceeding provisional tolerable levels. Control measures such as improved feed management, toxin binders, and farmer education are essential. This review synthesizes evidence (2010–2025) and recommends integrated mitigation strategies tailored to Ethiopia’s dairy context.

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