Umbra by Kishore Murthy

Its not just more on Melamine but also less.

Looks like now Melamine is found in leading US infant formula as well but in much much lesser quanitity unlike the ones in China. Apparently it happened unintentionally somwehere during processing.

Here is where the problem begins and knowledge is lacking. We know that large quantities of Melamine can cause kidney/bladder stones and even renal failure but we don’t know what can happen when exposed to Melamine in trace quantities over a long period of time. We know even less about its chemical relative Cyanuric acid. This is a BIG problem as the FDA cannot deem it safe with absolute surety as they don’t know. And a ban on infant formula containing any melamine will take out mostly all infant formula off the market which is not desirable or practical.

How do we tackle this issue??

I think companies producing the formula should start taking some serious steps and make changes in their processing techniques to ensure that no Melamine or Cyanuric acid is present in the formula.

As for the FDA, I second what Dr. Jerome Paulson had to say on The Washington Post.

Dr. Jerome Paulson, an associate professor of pediatrics at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., said he didn’t think the FDA’s decision was unreasonable. He added, however, that the agency should research the impacts of long-term, low-dose exposure, “and not just assume it’s safe, and then 15 years from now find out that it’s not.”

And Moms who can breast feed but choose formula instead, should definitely rethink the option.