New laboratory tests have raised fresh concerns over food safety in Albania, revealing dangerously elevated levels of aflatoxin M1 in milk samples collected from local farms and dairy producers.

Four laboratory reports obtained by Top Channel, dated October 27–29, show contamination levels exceeding the European Union's maximum permitted limit of 0.050 ppb per litre. One sample recorded 0.154 ppb, exceeding the EU threshold by 208%, while other samples showed violations ranging from 104% to 128%.

Food safety experts warn that continued exposure to aflatoxin M1 poses a serious public health concern, as the substance is classified as carcinogenic and is primarily associated with liver damage and cancer risk.

Experts also warn that contaminated milk may enter the food chain through street vendors, small dairy producers and industrial processing facilities, potentially affecting products such as cheese, yoghurt and butter.

The contamination is also linked to animal feed, particularly maize and other imported grains that may contain aflatoxins. Food safety specialists are calling for stricter laboratory testing of imported animal feed, alongside systematic inspections at farms, dairy facilities and retail markets.

Concerns have also been raised over Albania's ability to export dairy products to the European Union, with experts pointing to shortcomings in traceability across the entire production chain, from farm to table.

Food safety specialists insist that contaminated milk must be immediately withdrawn from circulation and destroyed, warning that preventing its entry into the market is essential to protecting consumers.