The Importance of Testing for Melamine

Melamine (2,4,6 - triamino-1,3, 5 - triazine; C3H6N6) is a small
synthetic organic molecule composed by 66% of nitrogen. This molecule
is mainly used in the production of plastics, paint and adhesives.In
food, melamine can be found accidentally following contamination from
plastic packages. But unfortunately, because of the high level of
nitrogen, it has also become a bad practice to adulterate diluted
milks with melamine in order to increase the apparent level of
protein.In 2008, China, the country where this practice is more common
and where higher concentration in milk has been found, was caught in a
food safety incident where milk and milk formula was adulterated using
melamine.Melamine is very harmful to the body if taken in large
quantities, more in infants than in adults. Melamine causes kidney
damage and in serious cases kidney stones or kidney failure.
Melamine
testing can be done through a variety of different rapid tests. Two
types of test can be done, the first being a "Quick Protocol" and the
second, "Sensitive Protocol".The Melamine-Sensor is a rapid test that
allows you to detect the presence of Melamine molecules in a milk
sample. The "Quick protocol" has a limit of detection of 250 ppb in 5
minutes and the "Sensitive protocol", a limit of detection at 125 -
250 ppb in 9 minutes, depending the sensitivity you want to
reach.Melamine-Sensor is a competitive test involving one specific
antibody with high affinity for melamine molecules. The test requires
the use of two components. The first component is a microwell
containing predetermined amount of antibody linked to gold particles.
The second is a dipstick made up of a set of membranes with two
capture lines. The "control" line is located above the "Test"
line.When the reagent from the microwell is re-suspended with a milk
sample, specific antibodies will bind the analytes if present during
the first incubation. When the dipstick is dipped into the milk, the
liquid starts running vertically on the dipstick and passes through
capture zones. When the sample is free of melamine, a colour
development occurs at the "test" line, indicating the absence of
melamine in the milk sample.On the contrary, the presence of melamine
in the sample will not cause the coloured signal to appear at the
"test" capture line.Melamine is an easy and inexpensive way to make
the protein content higher and sell off inexpensive ingredients at a
more expensive price. This may sound like a quick way to make more
money, but in the event of finding out your products are contaminated,
the product will be recalled, food exports/imports' reputation will be
damaged and arrests will be made.Consumers should not be deceived for
organisation's to make short-term profits and testing for melamine is
a MUST.