Determination of Aflatoxins M1, M2, B1, B2, G1, G2 and Ochratoxin A in Infant Formulas from Brazil Using a Modified QuEChERS Method and UHPLC-MS/MS

The aim of this study was to determine the contamination levels by aflatoxins M1, M2, G1, G2, B1 and B2 and Ochratoxin A in 123 infant formula powder samples from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A sensitive method using a modified Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was validated for application in sample analyses. Ochratoxin A and aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 were not detected in the analyzed samples. Aflatoxin M1 was detected in 18 (14.6%) of the analyzed samples and quantified in eight (6.5%), at concentration levels ranging from 0.016 to 0.057 µg kg−1 and an average concentration of 0.031 µg kg−1. The aflatoxin M1 concentrations found in three of the analyzed samples (0.040, 0.044 and 0.057 µg kg−1) exceed the limit established by European Union regulations (0.025 µg kg−1). The estimate daily intake (EDI) of aflatoxin M1 for infants up to 12 months ranged from 0.39 to 1.53 ng kg−1 body weight day−1. The contamination results demonstrate the importance of carrying out monitoring studies to support aflatoxin M1 regulations for infant formulas in Brazil.