Introduction to Melamine in Milk and Dairy Products

1. Introduction to
Melamine in Milk
and Dairy Products
F
a
by Farah
Alrimawi
Milk is a crucial source of essential nutrients for infants and adults, but milk adulteration is a
global issue due to factors such as demand-supply gaps, perishable nature of milk, low
purchasing capabilities, and lack of suitable detection methods. Examples of milk adulteration
include adding water, whey, vegetable oil, and protein, as well as milk from different species.
These adulterants do not pose a severe health risk but can have serious adverse effects on
human health. Melamine, a nitrogen-rich compound used in various products, is often added to
milk to increase protein count at a lower cost. Melamine levels can be detected in food through
environmental sources or indirectly through animal feeds. Farmers and milk producers may
dilute milk with water to maintain the standard protein content. Infants and children are most
affected due to their milk dependence and immaturity of organs, making them vulnerable to
milk adulteration.

2. What is Melamine?
Chemical
Compound
Melamine is an organic
compound with the
chemical formula
C3H6N6. It is commonly
used in the production of
plastics, laminates, and
other industrial
materials.
2 Nitrogen Content
Melamine contains a
high percentage of
nitrogen, which can
cause it to falsely appear
to increase the protein
content of food when
tested.
3 Adulteration
Purposes
Unscrupulous suppliers
have added melamine to
milk and other dairy
products to artificially
boost the apparent
protein levels.

3. Melamine Contamination Incidents
2007: Pet Food Scandal
Melamine-contaminated pet food caused the
deaths of many pets in North America.
2
2008: Chinese Milk Scandal
Melamine-tainted milk in China led to the
hospitalization of thousands of infants and
the deaths of several children.

4. Melamine Contamination in Milk and
Dairy Products
Melamine contamination in milk and dairy products has been confirmed by international food regulatory authorities,
including China, Australia, Japan, and Japan. In China, 87 out of 111 infant formulas were found to be contaminated
with melamine, with 51 of the positive samples having a concentration higher than 1000mg/kg. In contrast, in Australia,
360 dairy food samples were tested for melamine, and no melamine was detected. Japan submitted positive results for
various milk-based bakery and confection, snack food, with higher levels found in frozen dairy-based desserts.
International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) published data on melamine content in various products,
including biscuits, cakes, confectionery, liquid milk and yoghurt products, frozen desserts, powdered milk and cereal
products, processed foodstuff, food-processing ingredients, and animal feed. However, obtaining information about
melamine occurrence in food is challenging, as some countries have only submitted positive concentrations above the
maximum levels they have established, while others have submitted data on any positive determinations.

5. Table 1 shows the global occurrence of melamine in milk and dairy products. The
countries with the highest levels include China, India, and Newze. Milk powder,
pasteurized milk, and powdered milk are the most common. Yoghurt, milk, infant
formula, cheese, and coffee mate are the most common. The percentages vary by
country, with Canada having the highest percentage at 75%. The United Kingdom
has the highest percentage at 33%.

6. Melamine can enter milk and dairy products
through various methods, including
adulteration to milk products, using pesticide
cyromazine on crops, using nitrogenous
fertilizers, consumption of cyromazine or
melamine-contaminated crops, and
transferring melamine from plastics in milk
packaging materials. Melamine transfer from
grass to milk can occur within 8 hours, with an
efficiency of 3% for low concentrations and
2.1% for high concentrations. The
concentration of melamine in dairy products
increases in the order of milk, yogurt, coffee,
cheese, and infant formula. The process is a
significant concern for the health of animals.

7. Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Melamine's harmful effects on human health, particularly in infants, necessitate
strict control programs in milk and dairy products. Good manufacturing practices
and quality control programs are effective. Further research is needed to estimate
melamine concentrations in crops and feed.