Latest test results on melamine (with table)
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (October 25) released the latest batch of results of melamine tests.
Results available today showed that 75 of the 77 samples tested were satisfactory. These included milk, eggs, biscuits, cakes and cake mixes.
Two samples were found unsatisfactory. Details are as follows:
1) Select Fresh Brown Eggs (Extra Large) (6 Pieces)(Expiry Date:25.10.2008)
Producer: 大連韓偉養雞有限公司
Address: 大連旅順口區三澗堡鎮東泥河
Egg farm: 大連韓偉養雞有限公司蛋雞三場
Address: 大連旅順口區三澗堡鎮東泥河
Batch number: 089060908003HC
Registration code: 2100D00197
List number: 2100DJ011
The level of melamine detected was 4.7ppm.
2) Croley Foods Sunflower Crackers (Blueberry Cream Sandwich) (net weight: 270g, one big pack containing 10 small individual packs, expiry date: 5.12.2008). 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 products is 2.5ppm.
"We have informed the food trade of the test results and asked them to stop selling the products with unsatisfactory results. We have also sent warning letters to the retailers and the importers concerned. The CFS will take out prosecution if there is sufficient evidence," a spokesman for the CFS said.
According to 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 " Select Fresh Brown Eggs (Extra Large)(6 pieces)" which was detected with a melamine level of 4.7 ppm, the spokesman said a child weighing 10kg (about three years old) would have to eat about 0.68kg (assume around 56g per piece, i.e. about 12 pieces) of the product a day to reach the TDI. An adult with average body weight of 60kg would need to consume about 8.04 kg (assume around 56g per piece, i.e. about 144 pieces) of the product a day before reaching the TDI.
On the sample of "Croley Foods Sunflower Crackers (Blueberry Cream Sandwich)" which was detected with a melamine level of 3.2 ppm, the spokesman said a child weighing 10kg (about three years old) would have to eat about 1kg (about 4 big packs, i.e. 37 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 11.81kg (about 44 big packs, i.e. 437 small individual packs) of the product a day before reaching the TDI.
"Based on the levels detected, people are advised to stop consuming the products 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, eggs, biscuits and Chinese buns will be available on Monday," a spokesman for the CFS said.
"We will also continue to collect egg samples and we expect the tests on Mainland eggs will be completed within next week."
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/Saturday, October 25, 2008
Unsatisfactory results of testing of Melamine