Latest test results for melamine (with table)

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (October 21) released the latest batch of results of melamine tests.

Results available showed that 54 of the 55 samples tested were satisfactory. These included milk, biscuits, cakes and pudding powder.

The unsatisfactory sample was Munchy's The Original Sugar Crackers (Net weight: 380g (13.4oz), one big pack containing three small individual packs, Expiry date: 15.7.2009). The level of melamine detected was 4ppm.

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 (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 "Munchy's The Original Sugar Crackers" which was detected with a melamine level of 4ppm, the spokesman said a child weighing 10kg (about 3 years old) would have to eat about 800g (about two big packs, i.e. six 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 9.45kg (about 25 big packs, i.e.75 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 and milk beverages, biscuits, cakes and Chinese buns 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/Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Unsatisfactory results of testing of Melamine

Satisfactory results of testing of Melamine (Samples 1-49)

Satisfactory results of testing of Melamine (Samples 50-54)