Mold Toxin Detected in Soflis Nobati Milk Products, Including Children's Milk — Food Agency Orders Recall

The National Food Agency of Georgia has issued a warning following the detection of aflatoxin M1—a dangerous mold-related toxin—in several milk products distributed under the Soflis Nobati brand, including milk intended for children.

According to the agency, inspectors from the Tbilisi City Service conducted an inspection of Wimm-Bill-Dan, the producer of Soflis Nobati, on March 28. While no critical violations were found at the facility, the company was fined for failing to comply with food labeling regulations, as outlined in Georgia’s Food/Animal Feed Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection Code.

As part of the inspection process, the company was instructed to test five milk samples—produced in Azerbaijan, one of which was labeled as a children’s product—for aflatoxin M1. The samples, taken under the supervision of the agency, were sent to an accredited laboratory.

Lab results revealed excessive levels of aflatoxin M1 in all five tested products:

• Children’s ultrapasteurized milk, 2.5% fat – Production date: 04.02.2025; Expiry: 03.08.2025

• Rcheuli ultrapasteurized milk, 1.5% fat – Production date: 12.02.2025; Expiry: 11.08.2025

• Rcheuli ultrapasteurized milk, 1.5% fat – Production date: 10.02.2025; Expiry: 09.08.2025

• Rcheuli ultrapasteurized milk, 2.5% fat – Production date: 09.02.2025; Expiry: 08.08.2025

• Selected ultrapasteurized milk, 3.2% fat – Production date: 02.02.2025; Expiry: 01.08.2025

Aflatoxin M1 is a toxic substance that can appear in milk when animals consume feed contaminated with aflatoxin B1, produced by mold fungi. This toxin poses a risk to human health, particularly when consumed regularly or in large amounts.

The National Food Agency has ordered Wim-Bill-Dan Georgia to recall and withdraw the affected milk batches from the market. The agency also urges consumers not to use the listed milk products and to pay close attention to expiration dates and product labeling.

“Food safety is our top priority. The agency continues to enforce rigorous monitoring and control to ensure that public health is not compromised,” the statement read.

This incident highlights the ongoing importance of food quality monitoring, clear labeling, and swift action in protecting consumers from potentially harmful contaminants.