Beginning in mid-March, over 100 brands of dog and cat food were recalled in the United States. The recall was prompted by reported cases of cats and dogs that developed kidney failure after eating the affected products. Following an intensive investigation, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) verified melamine in wheat gluten imported from China as the possible source of the contamination.

The agency collected about 750 samples of wheat gluten and products made with wheat gluten. Of these, 330 tested positive for melamine or melamine related compounds. Of the 85 samples of rice protein concentrate and products made with the ingredient, 27 tested positive. All the ingredients were imported from China. China has since banned its food exporters from using melamine.

• Food Quality
• Food Nutrition
• Food Contaminants
• Melamine Testing
• GMO
• Total Product Integrity
• Laboratory Quality and Accreditations
• Data Management
• Laboratory Locations
• Microbiology Services

Alarming Discovery
Late in April, the discovery that animal feed laced with melamine from China was accidentally sent to hog farms in eight U.S. states heightened this ongoing dilemma. On April 28, California state officials reported approximately 45 people had consumed pork from hogs that had consumed melamine-contaminated feed.

A few days later, the FDA and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced humans had also consumed poultry that had eaten melamine contaminated feed.  Investigations revealed that the contaminated wheat gluten was mixed into chicken feed used on farms in Indiana. It was also found that a rice protein concentrate imported from China contaminated with melamine and melamine-related compounds was fed to pigs. The FDA stated that the likelihood of illness from such exposure is extremely low.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, however, has been asked by the FDA to monitor its surveillance network for signs of human illness, such as increased renal failure, that could indicate contamination.

Silliker Responds
Silliker is using a GC-MS method that detects the presence of melamine and cyanuric acid within our network of laboratories. The procedure yields accurate, reliable results.

With locations conveniently located worldwide, we can handle your analytical demands with responsive, professional services.

Click here to request a copy of our technical update, "Melamine Poses Lingering Safety Issues, Concerns for U.S. Food and Feed Processors."

Food Quality | Food Nutrition | Food Contaminants | GMO | Total Product Integrity | Laboratory Quality and Accreditations | Data Management | Laboratory Locations | Microbiology Services
[ Return to top ]