Food contamination is a major health problem because it can expose thousands of people to potentially toxic chemicals. Melamine is a substance that has been found in a variety of food products, particularly substances from China. Melamine poisoning can cause kidney damage and other health problems, and you should talk to your doctor if you are concerned about melamine poisoning.
What Is Melamine?
Melamine is an organic chemical that is most commonly found in manufactured products, such as countertops, adhesives, plastics, dishware and whiteboards. Melamine forms white crystals that are rich in nitrogen. Food contamination of melamine is due to a 2008 outbreak in China, where melamine was added to raw milk. Melamine contains nitrogen and nitrogen levels are often used to estimate the protein concentration in milk. Thus, it is thought that the melamine was added to create an appearance of higher protein in the milk.
Foods From China
Melamine contaminated products stem from the use of this melamine contaminated milk, and many of the foods that were contaminated with melamine are from China. For example, White Rabbit candies and Blue Cat Flavor Drink, a yogurt-flavored drink from China, were recalled in the United States after they were found to contain melamine. Melamine has also been found in China-made powdered baby milk, Mr. Brown coffee products, China-made Heinz products, and many different Asian versions of snacks, such as Magnum ice cream, Snickers candy and Mentos yogurt.
Other Contaminated Foods
Food produced in other countries have also been affected by melamine contamination due to the use of contaminated milk from China. Tea from Unilever and two different candies from Cadbury were also recalled due to high melamine levels. Cookies in the Netherlands were also found to be contaminated with melamine, and products from the Ritz company were also contaminated with this chemical.
Considerations
Although the melamine contaminated milk affected many different products, it is unlikely that many of them are still being sold today, as there was a massive recall of all products that were suspected of containing melamine. The melamine contamination occurred in 2008 and since then there has been no evidence of any new outbreaks. Symptoms of melamine poisoning include blood in the urine, low urine output, irritability, high blood pressure and a kidney infection. If you are concerned that you have food products that are contaminated, throw them out. Talk to your doctor if you think you have melamine poisoning.
