On Sept 18, 2008, World Health Organization (WHO) had issued a statement concerning the severe health issue of melamine-contaminated milk and milk products. The statement by WHO was also published on WHO website.
18 September 2008 -- Over 6240 cases of kidney stones in infants with three deaths have been reported from across China as of 17 September. Kidney stones in infants are very rare.
The Ministry of Health of China has confirmed that these cases are related to melamine-contaminated powdered infant formula consumed by the infants. While the exact onset date of illness resulting from contamination is unknown, a manufacturer received a complaint of illness in March 2008.
Following inspections conducted by China’s national inspection agency, at least 22 dairy manufacturers across the country were found to have melamine in some of their products (levels varied between 0.09mg/kg and 2.560 mg/kg). Two companies exported their products to Bangladesh, Burundi, Myanmar, Gabon and Yemen. While contamination in those exported products remains unconfirmed, a recall has been ordered from China.
A recall is also ongoing for all contaminated products in China.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is in close communication with the Ministry of Health of China to monitor the situation. WHO has also been disseminating information on the situation to WHO Member States through the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN). INFOSAN has also specifically alerted the five countries importing potentially contaminated products from China.
WHO recommends breastfeeding as the ideal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to six months of age.18 September 2008 -- Over 6240 cases of kidney stones in infants with three deaths have been reported from across China as of 17 September. Kidney stones in infants are very rare.
The Ministry of Health of China has confirmed that these cases are related to melamine-contaminated powdered infant formula consumed by the infants. While the exact onset date of illness resulting from contamination is unknown, a manufacturer received a complaint of illness in March 2008.
Following inspections conducted by China’s national inspection agency, at least 22 dairy manufacturers across the country were found to have melamine in some of their products (levels varied between 0.09mg/kg and 2.560 mg/kg). Two companies exported their products to Bangladesh, Burundi, Myanmar, Gabon and Yemen. While contamination in those exported products remains unconfirmed, a recall has been ordered from China.
A recall is also ongoing for all contaminated products in China.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is in close communication with the Ministry of Health of China to monitor the situation. WHO has also been disseminating information on the situation to WHO Member States through the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN). INFOSAN has also specifically alerted the five countries importing potentially contaminated products from China.
WHO recommends breastfeeding as the ideal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to six months of age.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Is melamine intentionally added into milk powder and pet food?
According to the latest report from the Associated Press, dairy products made in China and contaminated with a chemical called melamine have sickened at least 54,000 babies and killed four. In the wake of the outbreak, first reported two weeks ago, a dozen countries, mostly in Africa and Asia have banned import of Chinese dairy products, including powered milk, baby formula, ice cream and yogurt. New Zealand authorities are now warning its citizens not to eat White Rabbit Creamy Candies; the international supermarket giant Tesco pulled the product from shelves (in groceries from from Britain to Malaysia) after the sweets were found to contain high levels of melamine.
So what is it? 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.
According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials, who investigated melamine contamination in pet food last year, it is also used as a fertilizer in Asia. An estimated 8,500 dogs and cats died of kidney failure after chowing down on melamine laced fare; when large amounts of the chemical are ingested, it causes the formation of kidney stones, as well as the organs' failure.
Chinese food companies use the nitrogen-based compound in wheat flour and other products to make these products appear to have more protein. Normally, proteins are the only source of nitrogen in food, so by looking for that element in tests, one can figure out relative protein concentrations. "Whenever someone looks at nitrogen in food, almost always they are looking at the amount of protein in food," Lora Sporny, a professor of nutrition education at Columbia University in New York, told ScientificAmerican.com last year.During a press conference held during last year's pet food scandal, FDA official Stephen Sundlof said it was possible that the tainted grub was deliberately spiked with melamine to make it appear to have higher protein levels. "The motivation would be economic in that you can take a product that is low in protein," he said, "and add a substance that from a chemistry standpoint makes the product appear to have a higher protein content than it does so it can be marketed at the price.
"What does melamine do in the body? A Cornell veterinarian told us last year that melamine is not considered to be "a very toxic compound," but can result in kidney stones and kidney failure especially in small animals. Investigators found crystals made up of melamine and its byproducts in the urine and kidneys of in the dogs and cats that were poisoned last year. Because it formed crystals in the body and was not fully dissolved in urine, the melamine gathered in the kidney, gunking up the organ and forming stones.
The pets that died suffered acute kidney failure. Now the same thing appears to be happening to China's tiny tots.
Chinese officials claim they have a handle on the problem; there have been at least 18 arrests in the probe and the head of China's quality watchdog group resigned. Nevertheless, parents in China and places where the product is sold are reported to be nervous. The FDA says it's unlikely that any of the tainted products made it to the U.S. but agents were scouting shops in Asian neighborhoods in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Seattle to make sure that none had slipped through to those community shops.
http://www.sciam.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=why-is-melamine-in-baby-formula-you-2008-09-24
So what is it? 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.
According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials, who investigated melamine contamination in pet food last year, it is also used as a fertilizer in Asia. An estimated 8,500 dogs and cats died of kidney failure after chowing down on melamine laced fare; when large amounts of the chemical are ingested, it causes the formation of kidney stones, as well as the organs' failure.
Chinese food companies use the nitrogen-based compound in wheat flour and other products to make these products appear to have more protein. Normally, proteins are the only source of nitrogen in food, so by looking for that element in tests, one can figure out relative protein concentrations. "Whenever someone looks at nitrogen in food, almost always they are looking at the amount of protein in food," Lora Sporny, a professor of nutrition education at Columbia University in New York, told ScientificAmerican.com last year.During a press conference held during last year's pet food scandal, FDA official Stephen Sundlof said it was possible that the tainted grub was deliberately spiked with melamine to make it appear to have higher protein levels. "The motivation would be economic in that you can take a product that is low in protein," he said, "and add a substance that from a chemistry standpoint makes the product appear to have a higher protein content than it does so it can be marketed at the price.
"What does melamine do in the body? A Cornell veterinarian told us last year that melamine is not considered to be "a very toxic compound," but can result in kidney stones and kidney failure especially in small animals. Investigators found crystals made up of melamine and its byproducts in the urine and kidneys of in the dogs and cats that were poisoned last year. Because it formed crystals in the body and was not fully dissolved in urine, the melamine gathered in the kidney, gunking up the organ and forming stones.
The pets that died suffered acute kidney failure. Now the same thing appears to be happening to China's tiny tots.
Chinese officials claim they have a handle on the problem; there have been at least 18 arrests in the probe and the head of China's quality watchdog group resigned. Nevertheless, parents in China and places where the product is sold are reported to be nervous. The FDA says it's unlikely that any of the tainted products made it to the U.S. but agents were scouting shops in Asian neighborhoods in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Seattle to make sure that none had slipped through to those community shops.
http://www.sciam.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=why-is-melamine-in-baby-formula-you-2008-09-24
Any melamine-contaminated milk products in Canada?
Canadian public had been very concerned about the China milk scandal. China being well known as the Factory of the World may have exported milk ingredients that could be included into other food products.
The Question is:
Have any melamine-tainted milk products been found on the Canadian market?
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning consumers that Nissin Cha Cha Dessert mix was made with melamine-tainted milk. The recall affects 440-gram packages (2 packs of 220 grams) bearing UPC 4 897878 550005. All best before dates are affected by this advisory. The product was distributed in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
The food watchdog has also issued a recall of imported coffee distributed in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. The recall affects the following products sold in 450 g packages containing 30 15-gram bags:
Instant Coffee 3-in-1 Mandheling Blend Coffee with UPC 4 710085 122523.
Instant Coffee 3-in-1 Blue Mountain Blend Coffee with UPC 4 710085 200597.
Instant Coffee 3-in-1 Arabica Coffee with UPC 4 710085 122509.
They have expiry dates of April 9, 2010, to Sept. 12, 2010, inclusive.
Health Canada notes it has contacted Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle Canada and PBM Nutritionals, the four largest manufacturers of infant formula in Canada. The companies told the federal department they do not use milk ingredients imported from China.
In late September, the CFIA also issued a recall of White Rabbit brand candy and Lotte brand Koala’s March cookies sold in retail stores across Canada.
In early October, two varieties of OK OK-brand pretzels were taken off store shelves in Ontario after testing positive for melamine. The CFIA said 40-g packages of Kaiser Strawberry Dressing Pretzels and 50-g packs of Kaiser Chocolate Dressing Pretzels were recalled for having trace amounts of the chemical.
The Question is:
Have any melamine-tainted milk products been found on the Canadian market?
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning consumers that Nissin Cha Cha Dessert mix was made with melamine-tainted milk. The recall affects 440-gram packages (2 packs of 220 grams) bearing UPC 4 897878 550005. All best before dates are affected by this advisory. The product was distributed in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
The food watchdog has also issued a recall of imported coffee distributed in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. The recall affects the following products sold in 450 g packages containing 30 15-gram bags:
Instant Coffee 3-in-1 Mandheling Blend Coffee with UPC 4 710085 122523.
Instant Coffee 3-in-1 Blue Mountain Blend Coffee with UPC 4 710085 200597.
Instant Coffee 3-in-1 Arabica Coffee with UPC 4 710085 122509.
They have expiry dates of April 9, 2010, to Sept. 12, 2010, inclusive.
Health Canada notes it has contacted Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle Canada and PBM Nutritionals, the four largest manufacturers of infant formula in Canada. The companies told the federal department they do not use milk ingredients imported from China.
In late September, the CFIA also issued a recall of White Rabbit brand candy and Lotte brand Koala’s March cookies sold in retail stores across Canada.
In early October, two varieties of OK OK-brand pretzels were taken off store shelves in Ontario after testing positive for melamine. The CFIA said 40-g packages of Kaiser Strawberry Dressing Pretzels and 50-g packs of Kaiser Chocolate Dressing Pretzels were recalled for having trace amounts of the chemical.
China melamine-contaminated milk scandal 2008
A major scandal of milk contaminated with melamine has struck China. This scandalous malpractice of adding melamine to increase the “protein content” had caused tens of thousand of children in China to fall ill after consumption of the melamine-contaminated milk and milk products.
In September 2008, several companies were implicated in a scandal involving milk and infant formula which had been adulterated with melamine, leading to kidney stones and other renal failure, especially among young children. By 22 September, nearly 53,000 people had become ill, with more than 12,800 hospitalizations and four infant deaths.
Melamine may have been added to fool government protein content tests after water was added to fraudulently dilute the milk. Because of melamine's high nitrogen content, it can cause the protein content of food to appear higher than the true value.Officials estimate that about 20 percent of the dairy companies tested in China sell products tainted with melamine.
In September 2008, several companies were implicated in a scandal involving milk and infant formula which had been adulterated with melamine, leading to kidney stones and other renal failure, especially among young children. By 22 September, nearly 53,000 people had become ill, with more than 12,800 hospitalizations and four infant deaths.
Melamine may have been added to fool government protein content tests after water was added to fraudulently dilute the milk. Because of melamine's high nitrogen content, it can cause the protein content of food to appear higher than the true value.Officials estimate that about 20 percent of the dairy companies tested in China sell products tainted with melamine.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency examines melamine contamination in milk-related products
Canadian Food Inspection Agency examines melamine contamination in milk-related products. This is announced in the website of Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The Government of Canada is actively protecting the safety of Canada’s food supply. The investigation into melamine contamination has been expanded to include other potentially affected products in addition to infant formula. Specifically, products made from milk or milk-derived ingredients that could contain contaminated product are being examined. Milk-derived ingredients include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder, and casein.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/2008melamine.shtml
2008-10-01 - OK OK KAISER PRETZELS may contain melamine
2008-09-30 - Certain LOTTE brand KOALA’S MARCH filled cookies may contain melamine
2008-09-26 - Certain Mr. Brown 3-in-1 Instant Coffee Products may contain melamine
2008-09-25 - White Rabbit brand may contain melamine
2008-09-22 - Certain Mr. Brown 3-in-1 Instant Coffee Products may contain melamine v
2008-09-21 - Nissin Cha Cha Dessert may contain melamine
2008-09-12 - Infant formula originating from China
The Government of Canada is actively protecting the safety of Canada’s food supply. The investigation into melamine contamination has been expanded to include other potentially affected products in addition to infant formula. Specifically, products made from milk or milk-derived ingredients that could contain contaminated product are being examined. Milk-derived ingredients include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder, and casein.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/2008melamine.shtml
2008-10-01 - OK OK KAISER PRETZELS may contain melamine
2008-09-30 - Certain LOTTE brand KOALA’S MARCH filled cookies may contain melamine
2008-09-26 - Certain Mr. Brown 3-in-1 Instant Coffee Products may contain melamine
2008-09-25 - White Rabbit brand may contain melamine
2008-09-22 - Certain Mr. Brown 3-in-1 Instant Coffee Products may contain melamine v
2008-09-21 - Nissin Cha Cha Dessert may contain melamine
2008-09-12 - Infant formula originating from China
Danger of melamine
Danger of melamine is that melamine would react with cyanuric acid to form melamine cyanurate crystals. These crystals form kidney stones in children causing kidney failure. Several children in China had died due to melamine-contaminated milk.
Melamine addition to food product would cause protein testing to indicate a higher level of protein. This is because the popular protein testing relies on testing of N (nitrogen). Melamin has a high of 66% of nitrogen.
Can you see the point?
Melamine is an organic base and a trimer of cyanamide, with a 1,3,5-triazine skeleton. Like cyanamide, it contains 66% nitrogen by mass and, if mixed with resins, has fire retardant properties due to its release of nitrogen gas when burned or charred, and has several other industrial uses. Melamine is also a metabolite of cyromazine, a pesticide.
Melamine is formed in the body of mammals who have ingested cyromazine. It has been reported that cyromazine can also be converted to melamine in plants.
Melamine combines with cyanuric acid to form melamine cyanurate, which has been implicated in the Chinese protein export contaminations.
Melamine addition to food product would cause protein testing to indicate a higher level of protein. This is because the popular protein testing relies on testing of N (nitrogen). Melamin has a high of 66% of nitrogen.
Can you see the point?
Melamine is an organic base and a trimer of cyanamide, with a 1,3,5-triazine skeleton. Like cyanamide, it contains 66% nitrogen by mass and, if mixed with resins, has fire retardant properties due to its release of nitrogen gas when burned or charred, and has several other industrial uses. Melamine is also a metabolite of cyromazine, a pesticide.
Melamine is formed in the body of mammals who have ingested cyromazine. It has been reported that cyromazine can also be converted to melamine in plants.
Melamine combines with cyanuric acid to form melamine cyanurate, which has been implicated in the Chinese protein export contaminations.
Excessive melamine in 2 Cadbury products from China
Major shock involving excessive melamine in 2 types of Cadbury products made in China. This is a major blow to the Cadbury brand.
HONG KONG, Oct 6 (Reuters) - A Hong Kong laboratory has found excessive amounts of the industrial chemical melamine in two types of Cadbury Plc chocolate made in China that the firm recalled last week as a precaution.
Thousands of children in China have fallen sick and four have died after drinking melamine-laced milk. The dairy scare, China's latest in a long line of food safety problems, also prompted mounting recalls and warnings abroad.
Cadbury Dairy Milk Cookies Chocolate Bulk Pack 5kg was found to contain with 6.9 parts per million (ppm) of melamine and Cadbury Dairy Milk Hazelnut Chocolate Bulk Pack 5 kg had 56 ppm, a government statement said.
Under Hong Kong regulations, the limit for melamine in these products is 2.5 ppm.
"Based on the levels detected, the public is advised to stop consuming the products concerned," a spokesman for Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety said.
The British confectionary group last Monday announced the recall of 11 Chinese-made products from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia as the scandal snowballed.
Tests in Hong Kong cleared another of the recalled products, which was not named in the government statement, bringing to six the number of Cadbury products with satisfactory levels of melamine so far.
Three products were not available for tests, the Hong Kong government statement said.
Chinese police have detained six people suspected of producing and selling melamine, the official Xinhua news agency said. (Reporting by John Ruwitch; Editing by Nick Macfie)
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSHKG30923320081006
HONG KONG, Oct 6 (Reuters) - A Hong Kong laboratory has found excessive amounts of the industrial chemical melamine in two types of Cadbury Plc chocolate made in China that the firm recalled last week as a precaution.
Thousands of children in China have fallen sick and four have died after drinking melamine-laced milk. The dairy scare, China's latest in a long line of food safety problems, also prompted mounting recalls and warnings abroad.
Cadbury Dairy Milk Cookies Chocolate Bulk Pack 5kg was found to contain with 6.9 parts per million (ppm) of melamine and Cadbury Dairy Milk Hazelnut Chocolate Bulk Pack 5 kg had 56 ppm, a government statement said.
Under Hong Kong regulations, the limit for melamine in these products is 2.5 ppm.
"Based on the levels detected, the public is advised to stop consuming the products concerned," a spokesman for Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety said.
The British confectionary group last Monday announced the recall of 11 Chinese-made products from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia as the scandal snowballed.
Tests in Hong Kong cleared another of the recalled products, which was not named in the government statement, bringing to six the number of Cadbury products with satisfactory levels of melamine so far.
Three products were not available for tests, the Hong Kong government statement said.
Chinese police have detained six people suspected of producing and selling melamine, the official Xinhua news agency said. (Reporting by John Ruwitch; Editing by Nick Macfie)
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSHKG30923320081006
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