Risk ranking and prioritization of Aflatoxin M1 in milk: a strategic tool for strengthening the national food safety system in Serbia

Dragan Milićević; Božidar Udovički; Ana Šuša

doi:10.18485/meattech.2025.66.3.52

Dragan Milićević Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9001-0584
Božidar Udovički University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Zemun, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8780-0021
Ana Šuša University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1523-6580

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18485/meattech.2025.66.3.52

Keywords: aflatoxin M1, milk, food safety, risk assessment, risk management

Abstract

In Serbia, aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁), a carcinogenic metabolite of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), is a common contaminant in milk and poses a significant food safety risk. Due to climate change, aflatoxin contamination remains a recurring and serious food safety issue, particularly for vulnerable groups, such as children. In this context, key priorities include AFM₁ surveillance, public health risk quantification, regulatory assessment, and exposure modelling. These efforts are essential to support science-based decision-making and evidence-informed policy design. This paper proposes a structured, integrated methodology for risk ranking and prioritization of AFM₁in milk, with the aim of strengthening the national food safety system in Serbia. The approach enables systematic identification of high-risk regions, critical contamination periods, and vulnerable population groups. It also facilitates evidence-based monitoring and more efficient allocation of resources. In addition, the proposed methodology supports regulatory alignment with European Union (EU) food safety standards, enhances risk governance, and increases consumer confidence. Ultimately, risk ranking and prioritization are presented as essential tools for improving food safety outcomes, reducing human exposure to chemical hazards, and protecting public health in the dairy sector.