FDA Updates Health Information Advisory on Melamine Contamination

On September 12, 2008, in light of reports from China of melamine contaminated infant formula, the FDA issued a Health Information Advisory to proactively reassure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell such products in the United States. That advisory also warned members of Chinese communities in the United States that infant formula manufactured in China, possibly available for purchase at Asian markets, could pose a risk to infants.

The FDA had contacted the companies who manufacture infant formula for distribution in the United States and received, from the companies, information that they are not importing formula or sourcing milk-based materials from China.

At the same time, the FDA—in conjunction with state and local officials—began a nation-wide investigation to check Asian markets for Chinese manufactured infant formula that may have been brought into the United States. In particular, this effort focused on areas of the country with large Chinese communities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and New York. To date, investigators have visited more than 1,000 retail markets and have not found Chinese infant formula present on shelves in these markets.

In addition, the FDA is advising consumers not to purchase infant formula manufactured in China from internet sites or from other sources.

The FDA has taken, and will continue to take, proactive measures to help ensure the safety of the American food supply. In conjunction with state and local officials, the FDA will continue to check Asian markets for food items that are imported from China and that could contain a significant amount of milk or milk proteins. In addition, the FDA has broadened its domestic and import sampling and testing of milk-derived ingredients and finished food products containing milk, such as candies, desserts, and beverages that could contain these ingredients from Chinese sources. Milk-derived ingredients include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder, and casein.

This sampling and testing is done when these ingredients or products are imported into the United States or found during visits to Asian markets. If the products are adulterated because they contain melamine and/or a melamine analog, the FDA will take action to prevent the products from entering the U.S. food supply.

In addition to state and local governments, the FDA is working in close cooperation with Customs and Border Protection within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, other federal agencies, and foreign governments.

For More Information: FDA

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

For More Information: Chemicals