Melamine trace in U.S. baby formula

The industrial chemical melamine was found in a sample of infant formula made in the U.S. in a “trace” amount that poses no health concern, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The finding isn’t surprising because the chemical is allowed in can liners and manufacturing, said Judy Leon, an FDA spokeswoman. Of 77 samples tested, only one was found to have melamine, said Leon, who declined to identify the brand.

“There’s no reason for concern, because these are trace levels,” Leon said. “They’re so incredibly tiny.”

Melamine-tainted milk products sickened more than 50,000 children in China beginning in September, and several died. Products from China that contain milk are being blocked at U.S. ports until tests show they aren’t tainted with melamine, the FDA said this month.

In China, officials said melamine was illegally added to milk to boost protein readings. That wasn’t the case with the U.S. sample that tested positive, Leon said.

The amount of melamine in the U.S. sample was “well below” 250 parts per billion, Leon said.

“That is what is considered trace amounts,” she said. “It has nothing to do with adulteration.”