Contaminated Infant Formula

Melamine is in the news and in food again, this time in infant formula sold in China, and is responsible for the death of three babies and for sickening 6,244 others.

The FDA has announced that no infant formula made in China should be consumed and instead should be replaced with U.S.-made formula from one of these companies: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals and Solus Products LLC. If your infant drinks formula either at home or at a day care facility, check to ensure that it comes from one of these companies.

Last year, melamine-contaminated pet food killed 2,200 dogs and 1,950 cats in the U.S. So why would anyone use it? Unscrupulous milk collection centers cut costs by diluting milk with water and then mix in melamine, which appears to add protein, to pass quality tests. Melamine, which is used in fertilizer and plastics, has no nutritional value and can damage the kidneys. Reports indicate that dozens of the afflicted babies in China have kidney stones.

Although no Chinese formula manufacturers meet U.S. requirements to sell here, the FDA is still determining if any Chinese products have made their way to our shores. In 2004, when formula killed 13 babies in China, FDA officials found Chinese formula on the shelves of an ethnic retail store in the U.S.

Sanlu Group, the manufacturer of the contaminated formula, has recalled all formula produced before August 6, but fingers are pointing in all directions concerning the delay in starting this recall. So far, two people have been arrested.

In the U.S., parents may be a little more concerned about melamine dishware; see "Dirty Dishes: Finding Alternatives to Melamine."

© The Green Guide, 2008

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