Latest test results for melamine

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (October 14) released the latest batch of results of melamine tests.

Results available today showed that of the 115 samples tested, 114 were satisfactory. These included milk and milk products, biscuits, chocolates, instant drink mixes, condiments and curry food.

The sample found unsatisfactory is Doraemon Chocolate Gummy (Muscat Flavour) (net weight: 50g, expiry date: 19.8.2009). The level of melamine detected was 12ppm.

Under the Harmful Substances in Food (Amendment) Regulation 2008, the legal limit for melamine in the chocolate gummy is 2.5ppm.

"We have informed the food trade of the test results and asked them to stop selling the product with the unsatisfactory result. We have also sent warning letters to the retailer and the importer concerned. The CFS will take out prosecution if there is sufficient evidence," a spokesman for the CFS said.

According to the standards of the US Food and Drug Administration, the safety reference value (i.e. tolerable daily intake - TDI) for melamine is 0.63mg per kg of body weight per day. For children under the age of three years, who are more sensitive to melamine, the TDI for melamine is 0.32mg per kg of body weight per day. Transient excursion above the TDI of melamine would have no health consequences provided that the average intake over a long period has not exceeded the TDI.

On the sample of Doraemon Chocolate Gummy (Muscat Flavour) which was detected with a melamine level of 12ppm, the spokesman said a child weighing 10kg (about three years old) would have to eat about 266.7g (about five packs) of the product a day to reach the TDI. An adult with average body weight of 60kg would need to consume about 3.15kg (about 63 packs) of the product a day before reaching the TDI.

"Based on the level detected, people are advised to stop consuming the product concerned," the spokesman said.

"We will continue to collect samples of dairy products and products with dairy ingredients for testing," a spokesman for the CFS said.

"Test results for some milk and milk products, frozen confections, cheese, biscuits and cakes will be available tomorrow."

Information on the test results can be found on the CFS's website, www.cfs.gov.hk. For enquiries, people can also call the CFS's enquiry number 2381 6096 which operates from 9am to 6pm daily.

Ends/Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Unsatisfactory results of testing of Melamine

Satisfactory results of testing of Melamine (Samples 1-37)

Satisfactory results of testing of Melamine (Samples 38-78)