MELAMINE
In 2007, pet food manufactured in China was contaminated with melamine, a byproduct of plastics manufacturing. This chemical, which mimics protein, caused fatal kidney disease and kidney stones. Several pet illnesses and deaths were reported in the United States, which prompted an investigation into pet foods coming from China.
Now, another scandal has arisen in China with the findings of melamine in infant formulas. As of this past week, over 54,000 infants have become ill from ingesting melamine-contaminated formula, 12,900 are currently hospitalized, and four infants have died from kidney failure. It is estimated that 20 percent of all infant formulas in China contain melamine, which was used to raise protein-levels in milk to reach government standards. Contamination has also been found in liquid milk, frozen yogurt dessert and in coffee drinks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization has issued a release stating that “countries should closely monitor their markets,” because melamine-contaminated products could reach other countries via “formal and informal trade.” This follows reports of finding imported melamine-contaminated products in several countries over the last two weeks.
What is melamine? Melamine is a manufactured chemical used in pesticides and in making plastics. It can be found in whiteboards, floor tiles, and Formica counter tops. It adds stability to the structure and has flame retardant properties.
What are the symptoms of melamine poisoning? The symptoms of melamine poisoning are similar to those of the flu, including nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. The affected person may have high blood pressure and feel pain when knocked in the kidney area. Unexplained crying in infants, especially when urinating, is another symptom. Fevers may result from urinary tract infections associated with melamine-caused urinary obstructions. With kidney failure, there may be blood in the urine or complete absence of urination.
Physicians diagnose kidney failure through analysis of blood chemistries, including Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and a serum creatinine (Cr). In addition, other chemistries such as potassium may be elevated.
What is the treatment? Once the diagnosis is made, treatment of kidney failure may include rehydration with intravenous fluids, stabilization of the abnormal chemistries such as potassium, and possible kidney dialysis.
Currently, contamination has not been found in the United States, but it is important for consumers to be aware of the above symptoms because of the potential for contaminated products reaching the U.S.
