Importance of Rigorous and Ongoing Monitoring of Animal Feed Quality and Storage Conditions to Mitigate Aflatoxin M1 Contamination in Dairy Products in Iran: A Health Policy Brief

Background: Milk and dairy products are essential for global nutrition, and ensuring their safety is crucial. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a carcinogen from contaminated animal feed, poses a significant threat to consumers. Objectives: This “health policy brief" highlights the critical need for meticulous and constant monitoring of Iran's animal feed quality and storage conditions to minimize AFM1 contamination in dairy products. Methods: Comprehensive review papers on AFM1 were reviewed in Iranian dairy products, drawing evidence from various databases. Results: The prevalence of AFM1 contamination in Iranian dairy products, particularly risky for children due to extensive consumption, exceeds safety limits, with livestock feed identified as the primary source. Public health demands rigorous monitoring practices, such as stricter feed quality and storage regulations, regular AFM1 testing, stakeholder collaboration, and public awareness. There are many benefits associated with these measures, including lowering AFM1 levels in dairy products, improving food safety standards, minimizing AFM1 exposure risks, especially for children, and increasing consumer confidence in the integrity of the Iranian dairy industry. Conclusions: Continuous monitoring of animal feed is crucial to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of Iranian dairy products, particularly for children. This comprehensive approach, collaboration, and public awareness are vital to mitigating AFM1 contamination and promoting Iran's safe and robust dairy industry.