Latest test results for melamine (with table)
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (October 17) released the latest batch of results of melamine tests.
Results available today showed that of the 105 samples tested, 104 were satisfactory. These included milk and milk beverages, frozen confections, biscuits, candies and cakes.
The sample found unsatisfactory is "菓子達人Strawberry Flavor Cream Malt Biscuits" (net weight: 85.5g, expiry date: 28.8.2009). The level of melamine detected was 3.2ppm.
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 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 "菓子達人Strawberry Flavor Cream Malt Biscuits" which was detected with a melamine level of 3.2ppm, the spokesman said a child weighing 10kg (about three years old) would have to eat about 1kg (about 12 packs) of the product a day to reach the TDI. An adult with average body weight of 60kg would need to consume about 11.8 kg (about 138 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 beverages, cream, instant drink mixes, biscuits and cakes 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, starting from tomorrow, operates from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.
Ends/Friday, October 17, 2008
Unsatisfactory results of testing of Melamine