Agency monitoring melamine issue

Friday 4 May 2007

The Agency is aware of a recent problem in respect of melamine contamination of pet food manufactured in the USA.

Melamine is an industrial chemical found in plastics and was found to have been fraudulently added to wheat gluten and rice protein from China, which was subsequently used in pet foods. There is no evidence of imports into the EU of contaminated wheat gluten and rice protein. However, the European Commission has asked Member States to monitor for the presence of melamine in these and similar products, particularly those originating from China.

In response to the Commission's request, the Food Standards Agency is co-ordinating a monitoring programme of consignments to help ensure that products comply with feed and food law. In addition, the Agency is advising the feed and food industry to make appropriate checks. Trade statistics available via HM Revenue and Customs indicate that quantities of these products entering the UK are low.