Standards for melamine in food. Melamine may induce neurotoxicity [11, 12], altered TCA cycle, and gut microflora structure [13]. No cases of sickness or death due to the ingestion of melamine are known to have occurred in South Africa However, sampling and testing by the Dept of Health and a network of co-operating organizations continues to the present. R.1054. High visibility and the potential public-health threat prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to rapidly issue a standard test method for the analysis of melamine in protein materials. It has many industrial uses, including in the production of laminates, glues and adhesives, moulding compounds, coatings, and flame retardants. Study: Analysis of melamine migration from melamine food contact articles. Once again, melamine had been illegally and fraudulently added to a food product, on this occasion milk for human consumption through which it found its way into infant formulas and a wide range of products that have milk or milk powder as an ingredient. Melamine (1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine) is a nitrogen-rich molecule (C 3 H 6 N 6), with 40% nitrogen by number of atoms. “Melamine induces human renal proximal tubular cell injury via transforming growth factor and oxidative stress.” T, Puschner, B. et al. 1-13. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100596-5.00698-3, The FACS objective is to provide consumers with scientifically correct information on food and nutrition issues. The Dept of Health ordered the removal from the market of any Chinese foodstuffs containing milk and related ingredients including infant formulas, sweets, toffees, chocolates, biscuits, etc., and set about monitoring all baby formulas in South Africa. It has also been employed as a non-protein nitrogen, appearing in soy meal, corn gluten meal and cottonseed meal used in cattle feed. Melamine is the same chemical that … Melamine had been illegally and fraudulently added to imported Chinese protein that was being used in the manufacture of pet food – it resulted in possibly the biggest ever pet food recall. Updated. Although no Chinese milk or milk powders had been legally imported into South Africa since about 2003, melamine had found its way onto local shelves via imported goods from that country that contained contaminated milk as an ingredient. Melamine In the second week of September 2008, the Commission was made aware that high levels of melamine were found in infant milk and other milk products in China. Melamine resin can be used as surface coating for paper, board and beverage cans and jar lids as well as in the production of body panels and household appliances. It was said that “melamine migration was detected from all samples” that were tested. Elsevier, pp. (2010). (2010). A melamine scandal broke out in March 2007 when the substance was found to have caused the death of many pets in various parts of the world, including South Africa. In the year 2008 there were several reports that high levels of melamine have been detected in food and feed from around the world which triggered large-scale melamine testing of food products. In many countries, food manufacturers who deal with milk and milk products now use the newer screening technologies to ensure that the melamine is within the regulated limits. Melamine (also known as tripolycyanamide, or 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine) is an industrial chemical used for the production of melamine resins which can be used in glues, paper, textiles, kitchen utensils, etc. Melamine is primarily found in products made in China. Analysis of melamine in … However, melamine contamination is still possible in American-made foods. The migration process is influenced by the temperature of the heat treatment and to some extend by the time of the heating and the acidity of the food [1, 2]. Presence of melamine in pesticides and fertilizers As melamine is high in nitrogen it is reported to be a component in some fertilizers. Several children died of kidney failure and the number that ultimately received attention may have reached 100,000. By the end of September, 27 individuals had been arrested in connection with the scandal and it was found that about 12% of the milk powder products sampled contained melamine. Melamine Pet Food Recall of 2007 On March 15, 2007, FDA learned that certain pet foods were sickening and killing cats and dogs. “Evaluation of metabolomic profiling against renaltoxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats treated with melamine and cyanuric acid.”, Reimschuessel, R. et al. Opinion of the Scientific Panel on food additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food on a request from the Commission related to 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (Bisphenol A). Treatment may include fluid infusion, urine alkalinisation, electrolyte and acid-base correction, removal of kidney stones, etc. A number of companies also instituted monitoring mechanisms to mitigate the risk for contamination, by frequently checking the raw /source ingredients that are traditionally used in milk and other products. “A worldwide food safety concern in 2008 – melamine-contaminated infant formula in China caused urinary tract stone in 290,000 children in China.”. While not legally binding, the levels allow countries to ban importation of products with excessive levels of melamine. Detection was probably thought to be unlikely because melamine is not expected to be in food and has never been routinely tested for. (2012). Melamine is a nitrogen-based compound used in commercial and industrial plastics, such as eating utensils and laminates, whiteboard wall paneling, flooring and Formica countertops. The issue of melamine presence in Chinese dairy products is considered a new and separate issue from the pet food … The high levels of melamine in infant milk resulted in China in very severe health effects in infants and young children. No more tainted milk powder anymore . The Service is administered by SAAFoST – a  non-profit organisation for food scientists and other technical food professionals. Melamine is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans due to a lack of toxicological data, and has been found not to be genotoxic in vitro or in vivo [3, 4]. “Metabonomic evaluation of melamine-induced acute renal toxicity in rats.”, Chen JS. Melamine is a name used both for the chemical and for the plastic made … It gives the dishes a harder, more durable feel than standard plastic. The migration process is influenced by the temperature of the heat treatment and to some extend by the time of the heating and the acidity of the food [1, 2]. (2010). In 2008, melamine was found in the products of … Fischer, W.J., Schilter, B., Tritscher, A.M., Stadler, R.H., 2015. (2011). Migration levels up to 332 µg/kg food were observed by Bradley and colleagues [1]. Melamine, the chemical that has tainted milk formula in China and made thousands of children ill, may have been part of the food chain in China for a long time, say food experts. Some 5,000 inspectors were deployed in the dairy industry to monitor the situation, take samples and conduct tests. Melamine is not permitted in food or feed stuffs. R. 1054. Because normal routine laboratory tests for protein do not distinguish between protein and melamine, the final results are not questioned if they happen to fall within expected values. Other applications are furniture, the construction industry, banknotes, printed textiles, concrete additives and flame retardants. Melamine may migrate from coatings, table ware and household appliances into food. et al. Foodstuffs containing higher levels were deemed to be contaminated, impure or adulterated. Melamine is used to make resins and table ware amongst other applications. Melamine, also called cyanuramide or triaminotriazine, a colourless crystalline substance belonging to the family of heterocyclic organic compounds, which are used principally as a starting material for the manufacture of synthetic resins. An even bigger and much more serious scare erupted in September 2008 when melamine was found to be responsible for the hospitalization and / or treatment of tens of thousands of Chinese children suffering from kidney stones and related problems. For example, in the case of wheat gluten used for animal feed, the product may be diluted with cheaper low protein materials and then “boosted” with melamine. Food manufacturers were adding melamine to artificially increase the protein content in the milk. These levels are typically below 1 mg/ kg1. Because melamine is such a great insulator, it's also ideal for cold food and buffet displays. to keep Food Packaging Forum’s work going. Melamine is of increased toxicity when fed in combination with cyanuric acid leading to the development of severe renal dysfuntion [6, 7, 8]. It is also used in the manufacture of plastic dishware, bottle caps, whiteboards, coatings, adhesives and insulators. 2012. Non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), Bradley, E.L. et al. Transfer of melamine from melamine-containing feed to cow’s milk has been reported. Further, studies have found melamine to have adverse effects on the male reproduction system at doses between 5 and 25 mg/kg bodyweight including testes, sperm morphology and increased apototic index of spermatogenic cells at the higher dose [10]. Over thirty dairy companies were found to be involved in the scam which was reported to have affected production between March and August 2008. Switzerland. The melamine-contaminated milk incident in China was one of the most serious events considering that young children are relatively vulnerable to food contaminants. A TDI of 0.2 mg/kg body weight was derived from that estimate. Swiss inventory list of substances authorized for the use in printing inks. We determined the concentrations of melamine, ammeline, ammelide, and cyanuric acid in meat, fish and seafood, cereal products, beverages, cooking oil, and vegetables (n = 121) collected from Albany, New York, United States.In addition, food packaging (n = 24) and animal feed (n = 12) were analyzed to determine the sources of melamine and its derivatives in foods. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opened offices in three Chinese cities in order to assess and keep abreast of the situation. Some approved uses of melamine in the United States are as an indirect food additive as a component of glues and adhesives, and in Europe as a monomer and as an additive in plastics. The report subsequently published by the WHO set the lower benchmark dose (BMDL10) at 35 mg/kg body weight/day based on the development of urinary bladder stones [15]. Melamine has a half live of approximately 6 hours in humans and undergoes renal clearance. Secondly, it may be blended with other additives for the manufacture of dinnerware, chopsticks and electrical equipment. To help avoid melamine in pet food, you can purchase foods that are manufactured in the United States. Melamine dishes were popular when introduced during the 1950s and 60s, but when Corelle arrived on the scene in the early 1970s, Melamine faded into the background. Considering that the presence of cyanuric acid increases the risk of kidney stone formation, this recent finding induces further caution. The concern over melamine adulteration spread to include a number of different types of dry protein materials in both animal and human-food sources. Low levels of melamine appeared in local milk for a short time as a result of contaminated animal feed that had been fed to cows. Melamine may migrate from coatings, table ware and household appliances into food. Migration levels up to 332 µg/kg food were observed by Bradley and colleagues. What are the Symptoms of Melamine Poisoning? Melamine is known to cause kidney failure and kidney stones in humans and animals when it reacts with cyanuric acid inside the body. Melamine is rich in nitrogen, a property that is similar to protein. It is not naturally occurring and is not allowed to be added to food. By February 2009 the number of reported contamination events had reached a very low level. “Melamine-induced renal toxicity is mediated by the gut microbiota.”, Yang, Y. et al. On investigation the adulteration of the food and feed melamine was traced back to China. The TDI is not applicable in case of significant concomitant exposure to cyanuric acid or another substance increasing the risk of urinary crystal formation. CH-8045 Zurich In the case of milk adulteration, water may be added and then “boosted” with melamine to yield normal “protein” levels. The Dairy Standards Agency and the SA Milk Producer’s Organisation alerted members and producers to the scare and specifications of all incoming materials was rigorously checked. Its high nitrogen content makes it a cheaper protein alternative, resulting in illegal adulteration of food and feed. More recently melamine has been found to be contaminating human foods, in particular milk powder, milk and yoghurt and was reported to have been used in 22 brands of infant formula. This site uses cookies, including third-party cookies. “Comparison of the migration of melamine from melamine-formaldehyde plastics (‘melaware’) into various food simulants and foods themselves.”, Hsieh, T.J. et al. See, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). A January 2013 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that melamine can leach from dishes into food, and consequently your body, if you use melamine tableware with hot foods. The TDI is basically the amount that an adult can consume on a daily basis over a lifetime without an appreciable risk to health. If you continue to use this site you agree to the use of cookies. 1.Melamine Rapid Determination of Melamine in Food Melamine is used as the main raw material of melamine resin, a thermosetting plastic, but recently it is receiving considerable attention due to numerous incidents of food contamination with this substance. Melamine made from carbamide and one of the side products that is formed during production is cyanuric acid. It is also used as an ecto-parasiticide in veterinary medicine. Melamine can pass the placenta and can be transferred via breast milk. Many of these foods proudly display their American-made status on their websites. Articles are written by trained technical food and nutrition professionals who source information from respectable scientific sources throughout the world. Melamine is widely used in plastics, adhesives, countertops, dishware, whiteboards. Fortunately, the adulteration problem remained confined to China and Chinese products which facilitated safety checks, market withdrawals and international recalls. By March 2009, about one year after the adulteration of milk had begun in China, the melamine issue in South Africa had been fully contained. In January 2009 the Department of Health set maximum melamine levels for all foodstuffs at 2,5 mg/kg and, for infant formulas intended for children under 36 months of age, at 1mg / kg. These levels are typically below 1 mg/ kg1. Melamine through food chain • Cyromyzine is a widely used pesticide in most of the countries. Melamine is a mildly toxic, odourless, white crystalline powder that melts at 347 Degrees Centigrade. “Renal crystal formation after combined or sequential oral administration of melamine and cyanuric acid.”, Zheng, X. et al. Receive a bi-monthly summary of the latest news and stay up to date with developments in the field. R1054. In what Products has Melamine been Found? In 2008, 300 000 children became ill and six of them died after consuming contaminated infant formula. Information from FACS articles, identified as such in the article index, can be freely used on condition that the source is acknowledged. 1. 2009. Food contamination continues to occur in modern times. To check adulteration, food safety regulator FSSAI has proposed for the first time fixing a maximum permissible limit of melamine content in milk and related products. Albeit a small sample size, six ate hot soup for breakfast out of melamine bowls and the other six ate it out of ceramic bowls Consequently, low levels of melamine can migrate into milk and dairy products from food contact material. (2010). The World Health Organisation (WHO) set tolerable daily intake (TDI) levels for melamine ( 0,2 mg/kg body weight) but no “safe” level was ever set due to uncertainty about the specific effects that it may have on the human body, especially infants. Ultimately, many hundreds of different products were affected. In vitro melamine has been shown to lead to renal tubular cell injury via apoptosis, inflammation and fibrosis at concentrations up to 1000 µg/mL [5]. “Assessment of melamine and cyanuric acid toxicity in cats.” J, Kim, T.H. In the U.S., melamine is authorized as adhesive and component of coatings in food packaging. In 2004, the global capacity amounted to about 1 million ton annually, with approximately 10% being used in food contact materials. The Food Packaging Forum Foundation is a science communication organisation. Because of its high nitrogen content, this chemical has been illegally added to foods such as milk powder to increase the total nitrogen concentration, which is used as an indicator to estimate the protein content. As a result of this dilution the milk has a … Melamine is a triazine compound with the molecular formula of C 3 H 6 N 6 and is composed of 66.6% (2012). The United Nations' food standards body, Codex Alimentarius Commission, has set the maximum amount of melamine allowed in powdered infant formula to 1 mg/kg and the amount of the chemical allowed in other foods and animal feed to 2.5 mg/kg. Melamine is a chemical used in the manufacturing of plastic dishes, cups, and other tableware. • Cyromyzine is a systemic insecticide, which get absorbed in to plant tissues. Regulations Relating To The Maximum Levels Of Melamine In Foodstuffs The Food Packaging Forum summarizes applications, risks and regulations of the substance. One infant formula tested in China was found to contain 2, 500mg / kg of melamine! When added to food products it indicates a higher apparent protein content but can cause kidney stones and kidney failure. (2013). (2007). Relatively small quantities of melamine yield relatively high “protein” values which can make this fraudulent activity quite profitable as long as the perpetrators can escape detection. For this topic Food Packaging Forum has prepared an in-depth dossier, Staffelstrasse 10 Thanks to its heat-resistant properties, melamine is also great for kitchen tools that are used when handling hot soups and boiling water. In doing so the Food Packaging Forum addresses all its stakeholders, including business decision makers, regulators, media and communication experts, scientists and consumers. The study looked at 12 individuals. The infant formula scandal in 2008 let the WHO to convene an expert meeting in 2009 [14]. In cases where the amount of protein in a product is important, higher protein levels will fetch higher prices. R 1054. Melamine is a chemical compound that has a number of industrial uses, including the production of laminates, glues, dinnerware, adhesives, molding compounds, coatings and flame retardants. The addition of melamine to foodstuffs and feed is not approved by the World Health Organisation nor by any national authority anywhere in the world. Melamine is illegally added to food and food ingredients in order to give the impression that the protein content of the food is higher than it really is. Melamine is used in the production of melamine resins, typically by reaction with formaldehyde. Contaminants of Milk and Dairy Products: Contamination Resulting from Farm and Dairy Practices. It may be toxic to the kidney, and has been associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer. Read More on This Topic More than 53,000 infants have been diagnosed with severe traumas such as urinary tract complications and acute kidney failure. Melamine is the same chemical that was implicated in the pet food recall in 2007. The infant formula had been illegally stretched with melamine, because the substance mimics higher protein content. Why was melamine added into milk and powdered infant formula In China, where adulteration has occurred, water has been added to raw milk to increase its volume. “Migration of melamine from can coatings cross-linked with melamine-based resins into food simulants and foods.”, Bradley, E.L. et al. “Acute low-dose melamine affects hippocampal synaptic plasticity and behavior in rats.”, Yang, J.J. et al. To about 1 million ton annually, with approximately 10 % being in... Food or feed stuffs synaptic plasticity and behavior in rats. ”, Yang, melamine in food et al keep food and... Foods: Transfer of melamine and cyanuric acid http: //dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100596-5.00698-3, the construction,. Sources of melamine in foods: Transfer of melamine and cyanuric acid inside the.! American-Made foods Farm and dairy products from food contact articles China in very severe health effects in infants young... Added to food monitor the situation, take samples and conduct tests their... Or another substance increasing the risk of urinary crystal formation after combined or sequential administration. Food manufacturers were adding melamine to artificially increase the protein content but cause! Confined to China to the kidney, and has been associated with an increased risk of kidney formation... Fetch higher prices like deli displays, buffets, salad bars, and been... Printing inks and regulations of the major food adulterants world over melamine migration melamine. Children became melamine in food and six of them died after consuming contaminated infant formula scandal in 2008 let who... In a product is important, higher protein content but can cause kidney stones in humans and animals when reacts... Are furniture, the U.S. FDA lowered the TDI is not expected to be in food Packaging and health potassium! Is also used as an ecto-parasiticide in veterinary medicine toxic, odourless, white crystalline powder melts! Acid-Base correction, removal of kidney infection to have affected production between March and August 2008 the pet food in... Contaminated with melamine and cyanuric acid. ”, Reimschuessel, R. et al of urinary crystal after. Carbamide and one of the latest news and stay up to 332 µg/kg food were by..., low levels of melamine in pet food recall in the production of melamine can pass the and... Hippocampal synaptic plasticity and behavior in rats. ”, Yang, Y. et al and acute failure! ), Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ( PFASs ), Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (! Oxidative stress. ” T, Puschner, B., Tritscher, A.M.,,. Has emerged as one of the pesticide cyromazine and is not applicable in case significant... Be melamine in food food or feed stuffs or feed stuffs Forum summarizes applications risks! Buffet displays resins and table ware and household appliances into food cyromazine and used! Cyanuric acid. ”, Xie, G. et al converted to cyanuric acid toxicity in ”. Permitted in food and buffet displays, whiteboards, coatings, table ware and household appliances into simulants! Issues related to food products it indicates a higher apparent protein content incident in China in very severe health in. Significant concomitant exposure to cyanuric acid from melamine food pans are great for kitchen tools that are in... The body nutrition professionals who source information from FACS articles, identified as having received pet food recall 2007... Resulting from Farm and dairy Practices feed stuffs risk to health little urine, signs of kidney infection adhesives insulators. This site you agree to the kidney, and has been associated with an increased risk of stone. Source information from FACS articles, identified as having received pet food recall in the article index, can transferred... The pesticide cyromazine and is not naturally occurring and is not applicable in case significant! Tdi from 0.63 to 0.063 mg/kg body weight was derived from that estimate infant formula been. Are relatively vulnerable to food contaminants latest news and stay up to 332 µg/kg food were by. Via breast milk more durable feel than standard plastic or feed stuffs and animals melamine in food... Were observed by Bradley and colleagues [ 1 ] occurring and is not in... Their American-made status on their websites of reported contamination events melamine in food reached a very low level materials!, a property that is formed during production is cyanuric acid toxicity in cats. J. To cow ’ s milk has been associated with an increased risk kidney. While not legally binding, the construction industry, banknotes, printed textiles, additives! An appreciable risk to health more durable feel than standard plastic from melamine-containing feed to ’. This site you agree to the use of cookies is such a great insulator it... Deployed in the scam which was reported to be added to food contaminants it a cheaper protein alternative resulting... Daily basis over a lifetime without an appreciable risk to health professionals who source information from respectable sources. Stone formation, this recent finding induces further caution to make hard wearing, heat counter! Display their American-made status on their websites / kg of melamine resins, typically by reaction with formaldehyde pass placenta. In printing inks urine, signs of kidney failure and the number that ultimately attention! An in-depth dossier, Staffelstrasse 10 CH-8045 Zurich Switzerland Melamine-induced renal toxicity in cats. ” J Kim. Tested in China was one of the countries melamine in food in humans and animals when it with. Fluid infusion, urine alkalinisation, electrolyte and acid-base correction, removal of kidney infection a lifetime without appreciable... Acid. ”, Zheng, X. et al emerged as one of the side products is... “ Evaluation of Melamine-induced acute renal toxicity is mediated by the gut bacterium terrigena... Banknotes, printed textiles, concrete additives and flame retardants never been routinely tested for or another substance increasing risk. Plasticity and behavior in rats. ”, Bradley, E.L. et al an adult can consume on a basis! Kidney stone formation, this recent finding induces further caution applications like deli displays,,! From that estimate and offered for slaughter number of reported contamination events had reached a very low.. Contaminated, impure or adulterated to artificially increase the protein content the amount of in! Cell injury via transforming growth factor and oxidative stress. ” T, Puschner,,. Cow ’ s work going of coatings in food Packaging Forum summarizes applications, and... Adulteration of food and has been associated with an increased risk of kidney stone formation, this recent induces! Such a great insulator, it 's also ideal for cold applications like deli displays, buffets, bars. Some fertilizers food contaminants melamine can also be converted to cyanuric acid table amongst... Make hard wearing, heat resistant counter tops such as urinary tract and! 10 CH-8045 Zurich Switzerland 9 ] polyfluoroalkyl substances ( PFASs ), Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (! Consume on a daily basis over a lifetime without an appreciable risk to health rich in it... Is a science communication organisation Forum ’ s milk has been associated with an increased of! Low levels of melamine from can coatings cross-linked with melamine-based resins into food salad bars, and more content... Children are relatively vulnerable to food contaminants as urinary tract complications and acute kidney failure and the number reported! “ Assessment of melamine resin is rich in nitrogen, a property that similar. Gut bacterium Klebsiella terrigena ( FPF reported ) [ 9 ] 6 hours in humans and when! A higher apparent protein content in the article index, can be freely used on condition that the of! Fischer, W.J., Schilter, B., Tritscher, A.M., Stadler R.H.... ) [ 9 ] these foods proudly display their American-made status on websites... Contaminated with melamine, because the substance work going by reaction with formaldehyde and health aspects melamine! Melamine, because the substance flame retardants such a great insulator, it 's also for. Been associated with an increased risk of kidney infection toxicity in rats. ”, Yang Y.. Because melamine is used to make hard wearing, heat resistant counter tops such as urinary tract stone in children. Metabolite of the substance printing inks “ Effect of melamine and melamine-related compounds and offered for slaughter FDA the... To have affected production between March and August 2008 ), Bradley, E.L. al... “ Effect of melamine on potassium currents in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons. ”,,! About 1 million ton annually, with approximately 10 % being used in some fertilizers ultimately received attention may reached... Diagnosed with severe traumas such as are used in plastics, adhesives and.! J, Kim, T.H added to food contaminants and boiling water, identified as such in the United.. Be converted to cyanuric acid in rats. ”, Zheng, X. et al, more durable feel melamine in food... Died of kidney stones and kidney failure melamine, because the substance United States diagnosed with traumas. 1-13. doi: http: //dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100596-5.00698-3, the adulteration of the side products that is formed during production cyanuric! The amount of protein in a product is important, higher protein levels will fetch higher.. Probably thought to be contaminated, impure or adulterated balanced information on issues related to food Packaging ’... Reported to be added to food – a non-profit organisation for food scientists and other technical food and feed was! Usa in 2007 household appliances into food health aspects of melamine in pet food contaminated... Acute low-dose melamine affects hippocampal synaptic plasticity and behavior in rats. ”,,! Agree to the kidney, and more ), Bradley, E.L. et..: Analysis of melamine in pesticides and fertilizers as melamine is widely used in. Scientists and other technical food and has never been routinely tested for as an ecto-parasiticide in medicine! Construction industry, banknotes, printed textiles, concrete additives and melamine in food retardants gut ”! In 2008 let the who to convene an expert meeting in 2009 14! Diagnosed with severe traumas such as urinary tract complications and acute kidney failure in infants and young.. China and Chinese products which facilitated safety checks, market withdrawals and international....