How much do you know about melamine?

Melamine: A Hidden Danger in Food Products Source: Science and Technology Daily Category: Technical Articles Update Time: 2008-10-8 16:37:21 Read: 70 times Author: Tang Ting Yuan Zhiyong Melamine, often referred to as "protein" in misleading online ads, has been openly promoted as a way to increase the protein content of products. It made headlines during the "Stone Gate" incident, where this white crystal caused widespread concern and confusion. But what exactly is this so-called "protein essence," which even top dairy company executives failed to detect? **Characteristics of Melamine** Melamine is a white, monoclinic crystal that is odorless and slightly soluble in cold water but more soluble in hot water. It is weakly alkaline (pH=8) and has low toxicity. Its primary use is as a raw material for producing melamine-formaldehyde resin (MF), known for its high hardness, fire resistance, water resistance, heat resistance, and chemical stability. It is widely used in industries such as wood, plastics, coatings, paper, textiles, leather, electrical, and pharmaceuticals. **Toxicity of Melamine** Long-term exposure to melamine can cause damage to the reproductive and urinary systems, leading to kidney and bladder stones, which may eventually result in bladder cancer. According to the International Chemical Safety Handbook, long-term or repeated ingestion of melamine can affect the kidneys and bladder, causing stone formation. In 2007, a U.S. investigation found that wheat protein meal contaminated with up to 6.6% melamine was responsible for pet food poisoning. Experts estimated that for an infant weighing 7 kg, consuming 150 grams of milk powder daily, the safe limit is a maximum tolerable dose of 15 mg/kg. The U.S. FDA sets a daily tolerable intake of 0.63 mg/kg body weight. For a 60 kg adult, this translates to about 37.8 mg per day, while Sanlu's levels were much higher. **Health Hazards** When melamine is added to milk, it reacts with cyanuric acid during processing to form insoluble crystals. These crystals can accumulate in the kidneys, potentially causing blockages and kidney stones. Infants are especially vulnerable due to their smaller renal tubules and higher consumption of milk powder. If not properly excreted, these crystals can lead to severe kidney damage. **Pseudoprotein and Detection** Proteins typically contain less than 30% nitrogen, whereas melamine contains 66% nitrogen. This high nitrogen content makes it attractive for fraudulent use in testing, as many companies use the Kjeldahl method to estimate protein content. Adding melamine artificially increases the apparent protein level without real nutritional value. The detection of melamine is now well-established. The FDA and Chinese agricultural authorities use hydrophilic chromatography columns, such as the Agela ASB series, to identify it effectively. Major dairy companies have liquid chromatographs, though many local plants lack the equipment. Some facilities even have the technology but rarely use it. **What to Do if Your Child Consumes Contaminated Milk?** If you suspect your child has consumed melamine-tainted milk, stop using the product immediately and switch to a verified brand. Monitor for symptoms like pain, fever, or blood in urine. A visit to the hospital for urine tests and ultrasounds is recommended. Early detection and treatment can prevent long-term complications. **Other Sources of Melamine** Besides milk products, melamine can be found in powdered food items like coffee, tea, pudding, and ice cream. However, fresh dairy products are generally safe unless they are mixed with milk powder. Additionally, some utensils made from melamine may release toxins when heated in microwaves. **Improving the Kjeldahl Method** To address the limitations of the Kjeldahl method, a simple step can be added: treat the sample with trichloroacetic acid to precipitate proteins. After filtering, analyze both the precipitate and filtrate to accurately determine protein content. This method is widely recognized and used internationally. In conclusion, melamine is a dangerous substance that can be hidden in food products. Awareness, proper testing, and vigilance are essential to protect consumers, especially children, from its harmful effects.

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