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There is melamine in U.S. infant formula, but it's in safe amounts. WHAT? I am sorry, but any level of melamine in food should be unacceptable in my opinion. That's just me!
Here's the story:
According to the Associated Press, FDA tests detected trace amounts of melamine in Mead Johnson's Infant Formula Powder, Enfamil LIPIL with Iron. Melamine levels in the product were very low: about 0.14 parts per million. The deliberately contaminated baby formula in China contained over 250 parts per million of melamine -- at least two thousand times higher than the U.S. contamination.
The AP report also said the FDA detected cyanuric acid in tests of Nestle's Good Start Supreme Infant Formula with Iron, at about 0.25 parts per million -- again, some thousand-fold less than in Chinese formula. In addition, the AP report said that while the FDA tests came up negative, Similac maker Abbott Laboratories said some company tests did find traces of melamine, at concentrations below 0.05 parts per million.
These three manufacturers -- Mead Johnson, Nestle, and Abbott -- make more than 90% of the baby formula sold in the U.S.
WemMD talks about why experts are saying not to worry about this chemical in trace amounts.
What do you think? Am I the only one thinking this is crazy?
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
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3 comments:
When the contamination in China went down, the FDA said no amount was acceptable. Now a trace amount is acceptable. However, parents using formula have no choice other than to switch brands, which considering the three primary producers contain contamination means switching to an expensive formula. This is probably not feasible for many families. Double edged sword if you ask me, and an unacceptable manufacturing process.
It's not just you Jen. This is the part on the WebMD article that just floors me -
"I'm sorry I can't be more specific, and can't guarantee safety at 0.14 parts per million," Casavant says. "The trouble is we really don't have a lot of experience and data with this poison in infant formula. People smarter than I are guessing at safe levels, and I'm only able to report their guesses. But I do think they're guessing right. I don't think 0.14 parts per million in formula is going to turn out to be a problem."
We're talking about feeding something we are "guessing" is safe to our babies! He is even referring to it as "this poison."
I better stop here. I feel a rant coming on.
Here are a couple links to some other articles about the melamine scandal. I have a hard time believing this will not be just another one of those things that the FDA will "shove under the rug":
FDA Hid Names of Melamine Contaminated Infant Formula Products from the Public:
http://www.naturalnews.com/News_000554_melamine_infant_formula_FDA.html
90 Percent of U.S. Infant Formula May Be Contaminated with Melamine; FDA Abruptly Declares Chemical Safe for Babies :
http://www.naturalnews.com/024947.html
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