Melamine testing

Introduction

In today's fast-paced world, where consumer products come from all corners of the globe, ensuring their safety and quality is of utmost importance. One substance that has gained significant attention in recent years is melamine. This chemical compound, when used improperly, can pose serious health risks. To safeguard consumers, rigorous melamine testing has become an essential practice. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of melamine testing, its methods, and the role it plays in protecting our well-being.

Understanding Melamine

Melamine is a synthetic compound primarily used in the manufacturing of various materials, such as plastics, adhesives, and coatings. It is also present in food and agricultural products, particularly as an additive in animal feed and fertilizers. While melamine is generally considered safe, it can become a health hazard when it enters the human body through

Health Risks Associated with Melamine

The most significant concern regarding melamine is its potential to cause kidney damage. Ingesting high levels of melamine can lead to the formation of crystals in the kidneys, which can result in renal failure and other severe complications. Additionally, long-term exposure to melamine has been linked to bladder and urinary tract issues, as well as certain types of cancers.

Melamine Contamination: Foods and Reasons

Foods Associated with Melamine Contamination	Reasons for Melamine Presence
Infant Formula	Intentional adulteration to artificially boost protein levels
Dairy Products	Contaminated raw milk or use of melamine-laced additives
Pet Food	Inclusion of melamine-contaminated ingredients
Baked Goods	Use of melamine-containing additives or contaminated raw materials

Importance of Melamine Testing in Foods

Importance of Melamine Testing in Foods	Description
Ensures Consumer Safety	Melamine testing helps protect consumers by detecting and preventing the presence of melamine in foods.
Regulatory Compliance	Testing for melamine ensures that food products comply with safety regulations and quality standards.
Prevents Health Risks	By identifying melamine contamination, testing helps prevent potential health risks associated with it.
Product Recall and Removal	Testing allows for the identification and recall of melamine-contaminated products from the market.
Builds Consumer Trust	Melamine testing promotes transparency and trust in the food supply chain, assuring consumers of safety.
Focus on High-Risk Foods	Testing targets high-risk food categories, such as infant formula and dairy products, for thorough checks.

Recall

In 2007, the pet food industry faced a devastating crisis as numerous dogs and cats started experiencing kidney failure due to the ingestion of melamine and cyanuric acid-contaminated pet food. This situation, caused by a China-based ingredient supplier adulterating the pet food, led to a significant impact that continues to shape the industry to this day.

Regulations and standards

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates the standards for melamine in milk and milk products. Through a notification issued on 5th January 2016, the FSSAI introduced new regulations regarding the presence of melamine in these products. The regulations were formulated after considering feedback and suggestions received on an earlier notification in July 2015.

The amended regulations, known as the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2016, added a section called 'Other contaminants' to the existing regulations. These regulations stipulate the maximum permissible levels of melamine in infant formula and other milk products.

Once the amended regulations are notified in the Official Gazette, they come into effect immediately. The maximum levels of melamine allowed in the mentioned food products, as per the Codex Alimentarius Commission, are as follows:

Powdered infant formula: Maximum level of 1.0 mg/kg
Liquid infant formula: Maximum level of 0.15 mg/kg
Other foods: Maximum level of 2.5 mg/kg

These limits ensure that the presence of melamine in milk and milk products is within safe and acceptable levels, protecting the health and well-being of consumers.

Testing methods

There are several testing methods available for the detection and quantification of melamine in foods. Here are some commonly used methods:

Testing Methods	Description
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)	Separation of melamine using liquid chromatography followed by detection and quantification using mass spectrometry.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)	Separation of melamine using gas chromatography followed by detection and quantification using mass spectrometry.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)	Utilizes specific antibodies to detect and quantify melamine.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)	Measures the absorption of infrared light by melamine molecules for identification and quantification.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)	Separation of melamine using high-pressure liquid chromatography, coupled with various detectors for quantitative analysis.
Capillary Electrophoresis (CE)	Utilizes the movement of melamine in a capillary under an electric field for separation and analysis.

Eurofins role in testing Melamine

Eurofins is a leading international provider of laboratory testing services, including the testing of melamine in foods. Eurofins plays a significant role in ensuring the safety and quality of food products through their expertise in analytical testing. When it comes to melamine testing, Eurofins offers comprehensive services utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and accredited laboratories. Here are some key aspects of Eurofins' role in testing melamine in foods:

Expertise and Accreditation: Eurofins employs highly trained scientists and technicians who specialize in food testing, including melamine analysis. Their laboratories are accredited by recognized accreditation bodies, ensuring adherence to stringent quality control measures and industry standards.

Advanced Testing Methods: Eurofins utilizes a range of advanced testing methods, such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), for accurate detection and quantification of melamine in food samples. These methods offer high sensitivity and specificity, providing reliable results.

Regulatory Compliance: Eurofins' melamine testing services are designed to comply with national and international regulations and standards. They stay updated on the latest regulatory requirements, ensuring that their testing protocols align with the guidelines set by regulatory authorities.

Sample Analysis: Eurofins accepts various types of food samples for melamine testing, including infant formula, dairy products, pet food, and other relevant food items. They employ validated testing procedures to analyse these samples and determine the presence and levels of melamine accurately.

Customized Solutions: Eurofins understands the unique needs of their clients and offers customized testing solutions accordingly. They work closely with food manufacturers, retailers, and regulatory bodies to provide tailored testing services that meet specific requirements and address melamine-related concerns.

Quality Assurance: Eurofins places a strong emphasis on quality assurance and follows strict quality control protocols to ensure accurate and reliable testing results. Their laboratories participate in proficiency testing programs and undergo internal and external audits to maintain the highest standards of quality.

Eurofins Analytical Services India, located in Bangalore, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving recognition from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) program. This makes Eurofins the first laboratory in Asia to receive such recognition.

References

Lu Y, Xia Y, Liu G, Pan M, Li M, Lee NA, Wang S. A Review of Methods for Detecting Melamine in Food Samples. Crit Rev Anal Chem. 2017 Jan 2;47(1):51-66. doi: 10.1080/10408347.2016.1176889. Epub 2016 Apr 14. PMID: 27077504.
https://www.eurofins.com/food-and-feed-testing/food-testing-services/melamine/