Milk Products Contaminated with Melamine
In March 2007 high levels of melamine and cyanuric acid were discovered
in imported flour (mislabeled as wheat gluten), which was subsequently
used in the manufacture of some pet foods. It is believed the chemicals
were added to increase the nitrogen content of the cheaper flour to make
it appear to be the more expensive gluten, which is higher in protein.
Protein content is determined indirectly by measuring the nitrogen
content. Therefore, the protein analysis can be falsely elevated by
addition of non-protein substances containing high amounts of nitrogen.
Melamine contains 66.6% nitrogen and cyanuric acid contains 32.6%. Both
compounds are inexpensive and relatively non-toxic. It appears that the
toxicity observed is due to the high levels present (and/or the
combination of both compounds), which crystallized out in the kidneys
causing physical damage.
October 2008. Melamine has surfaced again, this time in infant formula
and several other products containing milk. Details
are available on FDA's web site. FDA has a detailed safety and risk assessment
of melamine at Risk
Assessment.
Melamine and Cyanuric Acid Analysis
Columbia Food Laboratories can analyze for melamine and cyanuric acid
in pet foods, flours, gluten powder, milk powder, etc. using high pressure
liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy.
For More Information Contact:
Columbia Food Laboratories, Inc.
Corbett, Oregon USA
Tel: 1-503-695-2287
Internet: info@columbiafoodlab.com
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