o:8615 Risk ranking and prioritization of Aflatoxin M1 in milk: a strategic tool for strengthening the national food safety system in Serbia en In Serbia, aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a carcinogenic metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), is a com- mon contaminant in milk and poses a significant food safety risk. Due to climate change, aflatoxin contamination remains a recurring and serious food safety issue, particularly for vul- nerable groups, such as children. In this context, key priorities include AFM1 surveillance, public health risk quantification, regulatory assessment, and exposure modelling. These efforts are essential to support science-based decision-making and evidence-informed policy design. This paper proposes a structured, integrated methodology for risk ranking and prioritization of AFM1 in milk, with the aim of strengthening the national food safety system in Serbia. The approach enables systematic identification of high-risk regions, critical contamination peri- ods, and vulnerable population groups. It also facilitates evidence-based monitoring and more efficient allocation of resources. In addition, the proposed methodology supports regulatory alignment with European Union (EU) food safety standards, enhances risk governance, and increases consumer confidence. Ultimately, risk ranking and prioritization are presented as essential tools for improving food safety outcomes, reducing human exposure to chemical haz- ards, and protecting public health in the dairy sector. Aflatoxin M1, Milk, Food safety, Risk assessment, Risk management 1552099 10.18485/meattech.2025.66.3.52 2025-12-05T09:22:57.485Z 44 yes 46 Dragan Milićević Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Kaćanskog 13, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia Risk ranking and prioritization of Aflatoxin M1 in milk: a strategic tool for strengthening the national food safety system in Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9001-0584 Božidar Udovički University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Zemun, Belgrade, Serbia Risk ranking and prioritization of Aflatoxin M1 in milk: a strategic tool for strengthening the national food safety system in Serbia person https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8780-0021 Ana Suša Institute of Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia Risk ranking and prioritization of Aflatoxin M1 in milk: a strategic tool for strengthening the national food safety system in Serbia person https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1523-6580 application/pdf 455203 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:8615 no yes 16 70 92000002 71A01 Meat technology - Special Issue 66/3 2025 1-576 66 3 318 322 Kaćanskog 13, 11 000 Belgrade Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology 2025-12-01 www.journalmeattechnology.com