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What Is Melamine Contamination?

Melamine is a compound used to make numerous forms of plastic. Until recently, it was considered to be nontoxic and relatively safe. However, melamine was then found in pet food and livestock feed, and it was linked to the deaths and serious health complications of dogs, cats, hogs, and chickens. More recently, melamine was found in infant formula manufactured in China, which posed a serious health risk for babies who consumed it.

  1. Pet Food

    • In 2007, pet food made from ingredients from China--including wheat gluten and rice protein--caused the deaths of dogs and cats nationwide. The FDA determined the cause was melamine contamination, and the pet food was recalled.

    Livestock Feed

    • Pet food contaminated with melamine was also used to produce livestock feed. This feed was then given to animals, some of which were processed into human food. However, both the FDA and Dept. of Agriculture have said that there is minimum risk to humans who consumed food from animals who ingested the contaminated feed.

    Infant Formula

    • In 2008, infant formula manufactured in China was found to contain melamine. The contamination was cause for the illness of more than 50,000 infants, and the death of at least four. American manufacturers then assured the FDA that they were not using ingredients from China. The FDA continues to monitor the domestic supply of infant formula to ensure that it is safe for consumption.

    Melamine in Other Foods

    • Besides infant formula and the wheat gluten and rice protein in pet food, melamine has also been found in frozen yogurt and a canned coffee drink. Experts believe they were produced using contaminated milk. The FDA also advises against consumption of certain desserts, cookies, milk drinks, hot cocoa, biscuits, and candy due to possible melamine contamination.

    Health Effects of Melamine

    • Although there is no direct data from studies on humans, melamine has been found to cause bladder and kidney stones, renal failure and even death among animals that have consumed it.

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