A global assessment of aflatoxin M₁ in raw milk and some milk products’ research from 2010 to 2024: a bibliometric analysis

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM₁), a toxic compound produced by fungi, frequently contaminates milk and milk products. Therefore, consuming food tainted with AFM₁ poses severe, even life-threatening, health risks. This bibliometric study analyzed publications related to AFM₁ retrieved from the Web of Science database, covering the period from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2024. We examined articles based on various criteria, including publication year, citation counts, authors, research areas, countries, institutional affiliations, journals, and keywords to pinpoint emerging and trending topics. Biblioshiny (R package) was used to visualize global collaboration networks and research hotspots. We identified 844 relevant documents. Food Control emerged as the leading journal in AFM₁ research, with 122 publications. China was both the most productive country and demonstrated the highest level of institutional affiliation. Our study provides both quantitative and qualitative analyses of the top 25 journals, most-cited articles, leading authors, and frequently occurring title words in AFM₁-related literature. Notably, AFM₁ research has experienced significant global growth over the past fifteen years. Therefore, this bibliometric assessment offers valuable insight into the historical development and current trends in AFM₁ research. Our findings can guide future investigations and contribute to improved decision-making in health-care, public policy, and dairy industry practices.

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