Melamine is a nitrogen-rich compound traditionally used in the production of plastics, specifically fire-resistant and heat-tolerant products, such as countertops, fabrics, glues and flame retardants. It is also used in many common household items such as dishes and cooking utensils. It is not approved for use as a food ingredient in Europe, which includes both domestic and foreign manufacturers whose products enter the European food supply chain.

Data from animal studies show that high levels of melamine cause bladder and kidney stones. When combined with cyanuric acid, which may also be present in crude melamine powder, melamine can form crystals that can lead to kidney stones.  In 2008, high levels of melamine in infant milk and other milk products have led to very severe health effects in Chinese children.

Melamine is not approved as a food ingredient but is reported to have been added to milk-based infant formula and other milk products in China to increase apparent protein content after the milk was diluted with water.

 

Currently, melamine has been detected in other Chinese manufactured food products such as confectionary including toffee and chocolate as well as biscuits.  There have been product recalls in several Member States.

 

The European Commission immediately banned the import of infant formula and follow on formula originating from China.  Since this decision was taken further strict controls have been put in place to protect the European consumer.  All milk-containing food and feed products from China are being tested for melamine before they can be imported.  Products already on the market are also being tested.  Products found to contain more than 2.5/mg/kg cannot be imported or have to be withdrawn from the market and destroyed.