Latest test results for melamine (with table)

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (October 20) released the latest batch of results of melamine tests.

Results available today showed that 65 of the 66 samples tested were satisfactory. These included biscuits, cakes, puddings, pudding powder, milk and instant drink mixes.

The sample found unsatisfactory was Julie's Wheat Crackers (Net weight: 350g (12.34oz), one big pack containing 14 small individual packs, Expiry date: 9.8.2009). The level of melamine detected was 5.8ppm.

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

"We have informed the food trade of the test results and asked them to stop selling the product with unsatisfactory results. 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 "Julie's Wheat Crackers" which was detected with a melamine level of 5.8ppm, the spokesman said a child weighing 10kg (about three years old) would have to eat about 551g (about 1.5 big packs, i.e. 21 small individual packs) of the product a day to reach the TDI. An adult with average body weight of 60kg would need to consume about 6.5kg (about 18 big packs, i.e. 252 small individual 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.

"Test results for some milk, biscuits, cakes and pudding powder will be available tomorrow."

Information on the test results can be found on the CFS's website, www.cfs.gov.hk. People can also call the CFS's enquiry number 2381 6096 which operates from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Ends/Monday, October 20, 2008

Unsatisfactory results of testing of Melamine

Satisfactory results of testing of Melamine (Samples 1-53)

Satisfactory results of testing of Melamine (Samples 54-58)