Aflatoxins: B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1 –Overview
Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, commonly found in improperly stored grains, nuts, and dairy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates aflatoxins through action levels, which are enforceable thresholds for contamination in food and feed.
FDA Action Levels for Aflatoxins (Total B1 + B2 + G1 + G2 & M1)
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Commodity / Use
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Aflatoxin Type
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FDA Action Level
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These levels are outlined in the FDA Compliance Policy Guide Sec. 555.400 and NGFA’s 2024 Mycotoxin Compliance Guide
Analytical Methods Accepted by FDA
- HPLC with Fluorescence Detection (with post-column derivatization)
- LC-MS/MS for multi-mycotoxin profiling
- ELISA for rapid screening
- TLC for semi-quantitative analysis (legacy method)
Regulatory Notes
- FDA action levels are not legal limits, but they are enforceable under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act if contamination renders food “injurious to health.”
- FDA may seize or refuse imports exceeding these levels.
- Aflatoxin M1 in milk is regulated separately due to its presence as a metabolite of B1 in lactating animals.
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