India moves to establish melamine limits for infant formula

In a notification posted in the Indian Gazette on June 5, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) proposed a maximum level of 1 milligram (mg) of melamine per kilogram (kg) of powdered infant formula.

A maximum level of 0.15mg per litre of liquid infant formula was also proposed.

It has called for public comment on the proposed first time maximum levels for melamine in infant formula. 

The window for comment closes on September 6.

If passed, the melamine infant formula limits will be written into existing Indian Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations.

Nitrogen-rich melamine is a organic chemical widely used in the manufacture of plastics, adhesives, dishware and whiteboards. 

On a number of occasions in recent years, however, it has made its way into milk. 

Farmers in some countries, including India and China, have been accused of adding melamine to the milk they produce in a bid to increase its apparent protein content. 

While not toxic to adults, melamine can cause kidney stones and kidney damage in infants. 

In China in 2008, six infants died and 300,000 were sickened after consuming infant formula tainted with melamine.