The levels of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) carcinogens in school and public milk samples have met international food standards which means they are safe for students, the Foundation for Consumers says.
Foundation secretary-general Saree Ongsomwang Thursday said 27 milk samples were safe for consumption as the test indicated the AFM1 levels in the milk remained lower than those stipulated by the Codex Alimentarius, an international food code.
AFM1 are poisonous carcinogens which can cause cancer and liver damage while the Codex Alimentarius is an international food safety standard acceptable by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and the World Heath Organisation. AFM1 can be caused by contaminated animal feed such as grass, maize and millet. The foundation said a total of 14 school milk samples were selected from 14 schools in 14 provinces nationwide.
In addition, 13 samples of various brands of plain milk were collected from grocery stores and convenience stores for testing.
The test indicated the levels of AFM1 in all samples stood at between 0.03-0.08 microgrammes per kilogramme (ug/kg) which was lower than 0.5 ug/kg stipulated by the Codex Alimentarius and 20 ug/kg specified by the Thailand's Public Health Ministry.
Mr Saree, however, said the ministry should lift up its standard level of AFM1 in compliance with international standards for the safety of public health. The level of the toxin stipulated in the ministerial regulations in 1986, as not exceeding 20 ug/kg, was much higher than the Codex Alimentarius level. The existing level has been in place for more than three decades.
