Melamine in infant formula?
All right moms and dads. The news that melamine has been found in US baby formulas was indeed disturbing. But how worried should you really be? When you compare it with September’s news about infants in China getting sick and some dying from melamine-tainted formula, it seems grim. But the fact is, the problem here in the US is of a different sort.
The trace amounts of melamine in one out of 77 samples tested (in Enfamil Lipil with Iron, in fact) is thought to be a byproduct of the production process, since melamine is in use in can linings. On the other hand, infant formulas in China had melamine added to them in to mimic high protein additives. They removed proteins from the formulas and replaced them with artificial chemicals. Melamine can combine with other agents in the urine causing kidney and bladder problems, but the trace amounts in the US formula sample should have no adverse health effect.
Read the headlines only and you might get a different idea – I’ve seen everything from “Fatal chemical in infant formla” and “Chinese baby-killing chemical found in US formula” to “Where’s the recall?” The thing is, American companies are super-sensitive to lawsuits. If there was enough melamine to even cause concern, you can be sure American companies would err on the side of caution, isolate the problem, and issue a recall. On the other hand, the situation seems so insignificant (trace amounts in a minimal percentage of formulas tested) that we can feel safe that our formula is far from the rat poison news headlines would have you believe, and since the news about Chinese formulas in September, our formula is going through rigorous testing.
Over 90% of formula comes from 3 manufacturers, and all 3 of them found trace amounts of either melamine or cyanuric acid (a chemical related to melamine). If you’re breastfeeding your infant this would be one more reason to continue – in addition to things like lower risk of childhood obesity, diabetes, lower risk of maternal breast cancer, and on and on and on. But if your child takes formula, rest assured that the FDA and formula manufacturers themselves are testing their products well to ensure they’re safe for our babies. Make your decision based on good old fashioned reason, not on scary headlines meant to sell papers.
« Freedom Gardens – grow your own! | Home | Holiday entertaining »
Comments
Its pity that many infants have been found with the melamine content and are dying from it.
That’s a very good point. Everyone should do informed research first before making a decision, especially on life-threatening issues like this.
man dis is ridiculas…if the childrens foods are becoming unsafe…thn wht left?
These headlines are scary. My youngest is just starting formula and as a parent there really no alternative since all 3 major brands are possibly at risk.
Leave a Comment