Melamine is an organic base chemical most commonly found in the form of nitrogen-rich white crystals. Large quantities of melamine are produced for use in the synthesis of melamine formaldehyde resins, which are generally used in the manufacture of plastics, coatings, commercial filters, adhesives, and dishware and utensils. Alongside these common commercial uses, melamine has caused hundreds of pet deaths due to pet food contamination.
Some grain-based pet food ingredients, such as wheat flour, wheat gluten, cornmeal, and rice protein concentrate, are deliberately mixed with melamine to increase the total nitrogen content. Melamine ingestion can lead to kidney stones, kidney failure and other health problems. In the melamine contamination incident in China in 2008, around 52,000 infants and young children became ill due to consumption of melamine-contaminated infant formula and dairy products, urinary problems, kidney tube blockages, and possible kidney stones.
Later, melamine was detected in liquid milk and yoghurts, frozen desserts, milk powder, cereal products, confectionery, cakes and biscuits, and some processed foodstuffs.
Melamine is not a natural product and should not be added directly to food or feed. It is only permitted as part of certain food contact substances. To protect people's health and food safety, many countries have set maximum residue limits for melamine in various products. For example, in European Union countries, the maximum residue limit for dairy products and high protein foods is 2.5 mg/kg.
In our laboratories, "Melamine Determination" is carried out in accordance with the legal regulations and standards related to TÜRKAK accreditation.
