Aflatoxin removal and biotransformation aptitude of food grade bacteria from milk and milk products- at a glance

Microorganisms are the only entities in the biosphere with an incomparable ability to employ diverse organic and inorganic compounds for growth and convert it to simple form that is no longer harmful to human health and environment. Food grade microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, propionibacteria as well as several yeast species are associated with food fermentation processes as well as have gained probiotic status owing to their noteworthy offerings in health stimulation as a natural gut microbiota in animals and humans. However, as biological agents little is known about their application for bioremediation and biotransformation aptitude. In context to this, aflatoxin M1 is a class of mycotoxins often associated with milk through consumption of fungus contaminated feed & fodders by cattle and well documented for their adverse health effects. Therefore, current review summarizes significance of aflatoxins present in milk and dairy products in human life, their source, types & health implications; food grade bacteria including probiotic strains and their mechanism of action involved in the removal of aflatoxin; and last section discusses the outcome of major studies showing aflatoxin reduction potential of food grade bacteria in milk and milk based products.