Detection of Adulteration and Contaminants in Raw Milk from Small-Scale Farms in Transylvania Using Advanced Analytical Techniques

This study investigates adulteration and contamination in raw milk from small-scale farms in rural Transylvania, Romania, using advanced analytical techniques to assess safety and authenticity. A total of 100 raw milk samples (50 cows and 50 goats) were analyzed for aflatoxin M1, antibiotic residues...

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Main Authors: Geronimo Răducu BRĂNESCU, Cristina-Maria CANJA, Alina MAIER, Mirabela Ioana LUPU, Adelina-Ioana MOJA, Roxana-Andreea MUNTEANU-ICHIM
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AcademicPres 2025-05-01
Series:Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca: Food Science and Technology
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Online Access:https://journals.usamvcluj.ro/index.php/fst/article/view/15154
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author Geronimo Răducu BRĂNESCU
Cristina-Maria CANJA
Alina MAIER
Mirabela Ioana LUPU
Adelina-Ioana MOJA
Roxana-Andreea MUNTEANU-ICHIM
author_facet Geronimo Răducu BRĂNESCU
Cristina-Maria CANJA
Alina MAIER
Mirabela Ioana LUPU
Adelina-Ioana MOJA
Roxana-Andreea MUNTEANU-ICHIM
author_sort Geronimo Răducu BRĂNESCU
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates adulteration and contamination in raw milk from small-scale farms in rural Transylvania, Romania, using advanced analytical techniques to assess safety and authenticity. A total of 100 raw milk samples (50 cows and 50 goats) were analyzed for aflatoxin M1, antibiotic residues, cryoscopic point, density, and milk substitution. Aflatoxin M1 was measured using the Symmetric M1 Lateral Flow Test Kit, revealing that 34% of cow and 26% of goat samples exceeded the EU limit of 50 ppt, with maximum concentrations of 145.35 ppt and 146.96 ppt, respectively. These levels are likely due to poor feed storage. Antibiotic residues were detected in 15 cow samples for β-lactams and in 10 samples (5 cows and 5 goats) for tetracyclines using the Symmetric BTS lateral flow test. ELISA confirmed milk substitution in 15 goat milk samples. Cryoscopic point analysis (ISO 5764:2009) and MilkoScan FT2 density testing showed non-compliance in 25% of cow and 29% of goat samples. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate significant differences and parameter relationships, including ANOVA, Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05), and Pearson correlation. These findings underline the need for improved monitoring, stricter compliance, and targeted support for small-scale dairy producers.
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series Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca: Food Science and Technology
spelling doaj-art-041f5bde48a04c54b7724f2ed2d5be5a2025-08-20T03:12:12ZengAcademicPresBulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca: Food Science and Technology2344-23442344-53002025-05-018219611010.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2025.001115154Detection of Adulteration and Contaminants in Raw Milk from Small-Scale Farms in Transylvania Using Advanced Analytical TechniquesGeronimo Răducu BRĂNESCU0Cristina-Maria CANJA1Alina MAIER2Mirabela Ioana LUPU3Adelina-Ioana MOJA4Roxana-Andreea MUNTEANU-ICHIM5Faculty of Food and Tourism, Transilvania University of Brașov, RomaniaFaculty of Food and Tourism, Transilvania University of Brașov, RomaniaFaculty of Food and Tourism, Transilvania University of Brașov, RomaniaFaculty of Food and Tourism, Transilvania University of Brașov, RomaniaFaculty of Food and Tourism, Transilvania University of Brașov, RomaniaUniversity of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Blvd, District 1, Bucharest, RomaniaThis study investigates adulteration and contamination in raw milk from small-scale farms in rural Transylvania, Romania, using advanced analytical techniques to assess safety and authenticity. A total of 100 raw milk samples (50 cows and 50 goats) were analyzed for aflatoxin M1, antibiotic residues, cryoscopic point, density, and milk substitution. Aflatoxin M1 was measured using the Symmetric M1 Lateral Flow Test Kit, revealing that 34% of cow and 26% of goat samples exceeded the EU limit of 50 ppt, with maximum concentrations of 145.35 ppt and 146.96 ppt, respectively. These levels are likely due to poor feed storage. Antibiotic residues were detected in 15 cow samples for β-lactams and in 10 samples (5 cows and 5 goats) for tetracyclines using the Symmetric BTS lateral flow test. ELISA confirmed milk substitution in 15 goat milk samples. Cryoscopic point analysis (ISO 5764:2009) and MilkoScan FT2 density testing showed non-compliance in 25% of cow and 29% of goat samples. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate significant differences and parameter relationships, including ANOVA, Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05), and Pearson correlation. These findings underline the need for improved monitoring, stricter compliance, and targeted support for small-scale dairy producers.https://journals.usamvcluj.ro/index.php/fst/article/view/15154raw milk adulteration; analytical techniques; food safety.
spellingShingle Geronimo Răducu BRĂNESCU
Cristina-Maria CANJA
Alina MAIER
Mirabela Ioana LUPU
Adelina-Ioana MOJA
Roxana-Andreea MUNTEANU-ICHIM
Detection of Adulteration and Contaminants in Raw Milk from Small-Scale Farms in Transylvania Using Advanced Analytical Techniques
Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca: Food Science and Technology
raw milk adulteration; analytical techniques; food safety.
title Detection of Adulteration and Contaminants in Raw Milk from Small-Scale Farms in Transylvania Using Advanced Analytical Techniques
title_full Detection of Adulteration and Contaminants in Raw Milk from Small-Scale Farms in Transylvania Using Advanced Analytical Techniques
title_fullStr Detection of Adulteration and Contaminants in Raw Milk from Small-Scale Farms in Transylvania Using Advanced Analytical Techniques
title_full_unstemmed Detection of Adulteration and Contaminants in Raw Milk from Small-Scale Farms in Transylvania Using Advanced Analytical Techniques
title_short Detection of Adulteration and Contaminants in Raw Milk from Small-Scale Farms in Transylvania Using Advanced Analytical Techniques
title_sort detection of adulteration and contaminants in raw milk from small scale farms in transylvania using advanced analytical techniques
topic raw milk adulteration; analytical techniques; food safety.
url https://journals.usamvcluj.ro/index.php/fst/article/view/15154
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