Which statement about aflatoxins and dairy safety is true?

• A. Aflatoxins can be fully eliminated by pasteurization
• B. Aflatoxins are not toxic to humans
• C. Aflatoxins only affect plants and never animals
• D. Aflatoxins are hepatotoxic and can contaminate dairy products if not controlled

Answer: (D)

Aflatoxins are produced by certain molds that can grow on crops used in cattle feed. When cows ingest this contaminated feed, their liver can convert aflatoxin B1 into aflatoxin M1, which may be excreted into milk and dairy products. These toxins are hepatotoxic and carcinogenic, so their presence in milk poses health risks even at low levels over time. Pasteurization does not eliminate aflatoxins because they are heat-stable, so simply heating milk won’t make contaminated dairy safe. That’s why prevention focuses on preventing contamination in the feed supply and monitoring milk for aflatoxin residues. The correct statement is that aflatoxins are hepatotoxic and can contaminate dairy products if not controlled.