Before the Melamine scandal broke out in China, most people knew Melamine only as a utensil used in every household – the Melamine ware. But Melamine, the chemical, caused the death of four Chinese babies and hospitalized thousands more. As a result, the world became cautious about Chinese milk products. Leading newspapers put the blame on the addition of melamine to milk and all dairy products. When the problem was delved deeper, authorities in Hong Kong reported that Melamine was also present in Chinese eggs. The practice of mixing Melamine in animal feed is very common. Melamine by itself is not toxic in low doses, but when combined with Cyanuric Acid, insoluble Melamine Cyanurate are formed which lead to fatal kidney stones. Melamine is also harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through skin. Chronic exposure may cause cancer or reproductive damage. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, up to 2.5 parts per million of Melamine is safe for adults. It did not disclose any stat. Meanwhile, China has seized all Melamine- tainted eggs and dairy products in the country. We highly commend the authorities in the Kingdom for maintaining a very high standard on food for babies as well as for adults. The enforcement of such strict regulations ensures food safety in Saudi Arabia. S.H. Moulana Riyadh __
