Want some milk?

September 26, 2008

 

Recently, the world is hit by a milk scare due to melamine content of China milk. This causes kidney related disease outbreak on almost 13,000 babies across China. The melamine contaminated milk was manufactured by China’s largest milk producers. The Chinese government and other countries that import Chinese milk brands recall all milk products that is suspected to have melamine content. Melamine is an organic compound that is often combined with formaldehyde to produce melamine resin, a synthetic polymer which is fire resistant and heat tolerant [WiseGeek]. Its description looks like it doesn’t fit on any food products, but why do they add it on milk? Melamine is rich in nitrogen, and relatively cheap. Adding it to sub-standard or watered-down milk makes the milk’s protein level appear higher. Standard quality tests estimate protein levels by measuring nitrogen content [Reuters]. This issue does not only affect the Chinese milk industry but also other China food products. Many countries implement strict policies regarding Chinese food products. I hope this so called milk products scare will be gone soon.