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Search Results for "melamine"

Nov

29

FDA Updates Melamine Investigation

Filed Under melamine

The news swirling around Melamine in US Baby Formula has ceraintly caused an uproar. Is there? Isn’t there? Some say yes, some claim no. Either way the FDA has updated their statement on safe levels of melamine content. From their website:

November 28, 2008: FDA’s ongoing investigation continues to show that the domestic supply of infant formula is safe and that consumers can continue using U.S. manufactured infant formulas. FDA has concluded that levels of melamine alone or cyanuric acid alone, at or below 1 part per million (ppm) in infant formula do not raise public health concerns. …

The FDA has been collecting and analyzing samples of domestically manufactured infant formula for the presence of melamine and melamine-related compounds. To date, FDA tests have found extremely low levels of melamine in one infant formula sample and extremely low levels of cyanuric acid in another. The levels were so low (well below 1 ppm) that they do not pose a health risk to infants

The FDA also advises parents to not stop feeding their children formula:

Parents using infant formula should continue using U.S. manufactured infant formula. Switching away from using one of these infant formulas to alternate diets or home-made formulas could result in infants not receiving the complete nutrition required for proper growth and development.

The FDA is publishing the test results (or at least they are working on it) here where it looks like some are turning up negative for melamine content.

Keep up with the FDA and their position on testing for melamine and the results on their website.

Search Results for "melamine"

Nov

27

US Formula Makers Say Products are Melamine Free

Filed Under Articles, Product Safety, melamine

Well this is weird… first the FDA says they found trace amounts of melamine in their tests of 77 US formula samples including those from Mead Johnson, the makers of Enfamil. But now they say “The FDA has confirmed with Mead Johnson that melamine was not found in any of our products they tested”. Hmm. People panicked over the FDA’s claims to traces of melamine in leading brands but in an effort to squelch consumer worries companies are saying their in-house testing finds no traces at all.

Companies coming forward claiming their own testing shows no melamine content:

Hain Celestial Group Inc – Earth’s Best Organic Formula
Privately held PBM Nutritionals (store brand formulas)

Abbott Nutrition, Nestle uSA, and Solus Products were not reached for comment on the FDA’s findings reported yesterday. The FDA said the low level of melamine (and melamine byproducts) posed no risk, but reports of the finding caused alarm among parents. None of this is sitting well with us. We’ll keep up with the news in the meantime…

Source: Reuters

Learn More: What is Melamine – A Crash Course

Search Results for "melamine"

Oct

1

Dear SafeMama: Tylenol and Melamine

Filed Under Dear SafeMama, melamine

Is there any product out there that is comparable to Children’s Tylenol that doesn’t contain artificial colors/flavors and high fructose corn syrup, which most likely is genetically modified. I haven’t been able to find anything that is an all natural form of pain medicine/fever reducer for children. Any help in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Ok, first things first. Legal Mumbo Jumbo first:

We are NOT DOCTORS. Any medical advice should be answered by your highly trained and qualified pediatrician. If your child is sick with a fever, call the doctor. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

I feel your pain sister, I really do. Once I really took a good hard look at what was in that stuff, you’d have thought it was radioactive. There is a dye free version, howver it contains aspartame, which in my book is worse. The other alternative you could look into is dye free Motrin, which contains sucrose, only marginally better. Again, call your doctor to get their approval before administering any medication. The short answer to your question is no: There is no organic or natural version of Tylenol. If there were, I suspect that the makers of Tylenol would be out of business. Or at least significantly poorer.

Hi! I love your site and the great information it provides! I’ve been reading a lot about melamine lately, with it showing up in milk in China. All my kids plates are melamine. Are they safe?

We get this question A LOT. At least twice a day, so I thought I’d address it. We’ve been told by some companies that melamine is safe, however, extensive research by us, and other parent safety bloggers out there has yielded almost no results as to exactly what melamine is comprised of. This has been frustrating at best. And with all of the news about melamine harming children in China, I know that lots of parents are nervous about using dishware of the same material. Keep in mind, that the melamine that was found in formula was consumed, I doubt your kids are eating their plates, but you’re still concerned, we understand. So here are some tips:

1. If you don’t have any melamine in your house, we say to avoid buying it, for now. I know this is a little tough because a lot of the licensed character dishware is made from melamine. But there are safer alternatives out there. Albeit, they are plain, but I’d rather have my kid eat off of plain, safe dishware, than have them eat off of something that we’re unsure of whether or not it’ll harm them.

2. If you do have melamine plates, and your child HAS to eat off of them (and let’s face it, we all know how stubborn and willful toddlers and young children are sometimes), limit how much they’re eating off of it. Never EVER microwave melamine dishware (this is standard protocol on all melamine dishes, and is usually stamped right on the bottom). Always wash melamine by hand with warm soapy water, and never put it in the dishwasher.

In the meantime, we’re still hoping to find an answer, so keep your other questions coming.

Search Results for "melamine"

Oct

7

What is Melamine? A Crash Course

Filed Under Product Safety, melamine

Lead is so 2007. This year it’s all about Melamine. All the cool kids are worrying about it. First it was found in dog food, then baby formula, then Mr. Brown coffee and now, the FDA is recalling Blue Cat Flavor Drinks. We’ve gotten a lot of questions about melamine dishware in the past weeks and we’ve been trying to find as much useful information as possible. Here’s what we know.

Melamine is an organic compound that is often combined with formaldehyde to produce melamine resin, a synthetic polymer which is fire resistant and heat tolerant. Melamine resin is a very versatile material with a highly stable structure. Uses for melamine include whiteboards, floor tiles, kitchenware, fire retardant fabrics, and commercial filters.

Melamine resin is manufactured by mixing urea with formaldehyde under heat and pressure. The substances begin to polymerize and are forced into a mold which will create the desired shape. The materials finish polymerizing and create a finished product, melamine resin. This resin is what is used in many kitchen items.

We uncovered (Thanks for finding this Jaime!) a report from the National Toxicology Program that states,

Melamine resin, a hard thermosetting polymer made from melamine and formaldehyde, is widely used in the US in the form of kitchenware, including plates, bowls, mugs and utensils. Reports in the literature indicate that some kitchenware based on melamine resin leach considerable amounts of melamine monomer. A migration of up to 2.5 mg melamine/ 100 cm2 was observed under conditions that simulate an exposure to hot acidic foods…

I’m sure with enough digging we’ll find that any migration that occurs is low and “suitable for public safety”, especially if you ask the FDA. But I am just not comfortable with melamine resin or formaldehyde leaching into my kids food when I take such care to give him something healthy. The NTP confirms that more research is needed.

Healthy Child Healthy Word’s Janelle Sorensen found some interesting and disturbing information regarding melamine as well and has changed her position on using it for kids. Please check out her latest article on Melamine here. The Soft Landing posted some great info on Melamine yesterday too, read that here. She brings up another good point: Melamine isn’t recyclable. Boo!

At SafeMama, we like to sway on the side of safety (even though some of you think we’re just trying to make your life difficult) but we don’t take chances when it comes to kids. So for now, we don’t feel comfortable recommending Melamine dishware. If you have some, there are a couple things you can do to limit exposure to chemical leaching:

Don’t microwave, boil or otherwise heat melamine dishware or utensils, ever.
Hand wash all melamine in warm water with mild soap.
Ditch ‘em (or use them for something other than food) and opt for a safer material like bamboo, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic (same heat rules apply here though, no microwave, hand wash)

I can hear you screaming at me already… “Are you kidding me? If its not one thing its another. Just when I thought I was doing the right thing its the wrong thing. Maybe I should just move into a CAVE and eat off the ground!“ That wasn’t you? Oh that’s right, it was me saying it to myself.

Before you freak out on me: We’ve compiled a new SafeMama Cheat Sheet of Safer Dishware to aide you in choosing dishes for your wee ones! It’s a new list and it will grow so check back for new additons.

Search Results for "melamine"

Nov

26

Melamine Found in US Baby Formula

Filed Under Green Mama, Product Safety, melamine

Oh boy. Well, I’ve have had my head firmly up my butt this week with Thanksgiving around the corner but apparently there is good reason to pull it out. News reports swirled yesterday and today regarding Melamine detection in US made baby formula. Since the news that melamine was found in baby formula in China, the US Government (FDA) began quietly testing US brands of baby formula for melamine.

In China, melamine was being intentionally dumped into watered-down milk to trick food quality tests into showing higher protein levels. In this case, the melamine detected was probably not intentional but the result of food packaging or the process plants. The levels that were found in China’s formula were around 2,500 parts per million. In the tests done in the US the results were between 0.137ppm – .247ppm.

The FDA tested 77 infant formula samples and found trace amounts of melamine in the following baby formulas:

Mead Johnsons Enfamil LIPIL with Iron: 2 tests read 0.137ppm and 0.14ppm
Nestle’s Good Start Supreme Infant Formula with Iron: 3 tests with an average of 0.247ppm

The FDA did tests on Abbott Laboratories brands including Similac but none was detected in the 18 samples. However an Abbot spokesman said some in-house tests did find trace amounts though which brands were not specified.

McBean (Abbott spokesman) did say the detections were at levels far below the health limits set by all countries in the world, including Taiwan, where the limit is 0.05 parts per million.

“We’re talking about trace amounts right here, and you know there’s a lot of scientific bodies out there that say low levels of melamine are always present in certain types of foods,” said McBean.

Trace amounts are said to not be enough to cause problems (melamine exposure can cause kidney stones and other problems) in infants at these trace amounts. However, FDA critics think there should be no safe level of melamine contamination and that any formula with ANY amount of melamine should be recalled immediately.

Dr. Jerome Paulson, an associate professor of pediatrics at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., said he didn’t think the FDA’s decision was unreasonable. He added, however, that the agency should research the impacts of long-term, low-dose exposure, “and not just assume it’s safe, and then 15 years from now find out that it’s not.”

Read more: Associated Press: FDA finds traces of melamine in US infant formula

What Should I Do? These are trace amounts of Melamine detected and the FDA is standing firm that there is no danger involved like the China scare. FDA scientists conclude there is a very low risk. But there is that word again… risk. We encourage our readers to call your formula makers regarding this latest news and find out what their position is on the subject. Unfortunately, we don’t know for sure what brands are free of any trace melamine contamination. We only know what the FDA has stated thus far regarding any need to worry: Here is the current stance from the FDA regarding Melamine.

Currently, the trace amounts detected are below any level of concern according to the FDA, so it is important you not stop feeding your baby formula. Talk to your pediatrician about changing brands if you really feel it’s necessary and check back with us as the information develops. We’ll keep you as posted as we can!

Search Results for "melamine"

Apr

3

BPA, Melamine, now Perchlorate? What’s Next?

Filed Under Articles, Take Action

Editor Note: Please read this article carefully before emailing us to slap us on the hand for recommending breastfeeding. We in no way suggest that below. Perchlorate is found in breastmilk due to that chemical contaminating drinking water. Our problem is with the chemical in general and while you may have less exposure through breastfeeding it does not eliminate it completely. Ok, read on:

Recently, 15 brands of infant formula have tested positive for a chemical called perchlorate. Perchlorate is a chemical used in rocket fuel, that is also found in drinking water. Like we didn’t have enough to worry about, right?

Now, while the CDC (who did the original tests) did not release the brands of formula they tested, two of the brands account for 87% of the U.S. Formula market. So with that, you can wager a guess as to which brands they were.

My son was formula fed exclusively, so this is really disturbing to me. We all drink water, and we mix the water with the formula. From the EWG:

The CDC team warned that mixing perchlorate-tainted formula powder with tap water containing “even minimal amounts” of the chemical could boost the resulting mixture’s toxin content above the level the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers safe. Many scientists contend that the EPA “safe” level is too high to protect public health.

Based on this study, the Environmental Working Group has recommended that EPA promptly set a legally enforceable upper limit on perchlorate contamination in drinking water, consistent with the latest science on perchlorate’s toxic effects.

Last fall, the Bush administration’s EPA leadership touched off a major furor by declaring that perchlorate posed no threat to most Americans and did not need to be regulated as a drinking water pollutant.

The decision was widely regarded as a major victory for the Pentagon and defense and aerospace contractors reluctant to pay clean-up costs that could mount into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

I don’t know why this doesn’t surprise me in the slightest.

So what can we do? We all know that breast milk is best and of course if you can breastfeed, you’re ingesting less perchlorate. But formula is sometimes necessary or preferred. There are a multitude of reasons why a woman may not be able to breastfeed and we shouldn’t have to worry on top of that whether or not the formula we feed our babies, is contaminated. According to the EWG’s article: “Perchlorate was found in all brands and types of infant formula tested,” the scientists said. The worst perchlorate contamination was found in formula based on cow’s milk with lactose.”

Right now we’re kind of between a rock and a hard place. Bottled water is polluted, filtered water might be a better answer. Possibly go with a brand or type of formula that is less likely to contain perchlorate (or even less perchlorate), but most of all, Contact your congress person. Contact your senator. Hell, contact the President himself. Write to them and let them know that this is unacceptable!! We should not have to live in fear of giving our children formula, or drinking water for that matter. The industry should not get to hide behind the EPA and get off scott-free so that we can continue to poison ourselves and our families.

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Search Results for "melamine"

Dec

17

FDA to continue to study BPA

Filed Under Articles, Bisphenol-A

After a year of nothing but controversy for the FDA regarding it’s (in)decision about BPA, they’ve stated that while they won’t change their decision about its safety, they will continue to “study” the chemical over the next several years:

The FDA has maintained that BPA is safe, relying largely on two studies that were funded by the chemical industry.

In October, the FDA was faulted by its own panel of independent science advisers, who said the agency’s position on BPA was scientifically flawed. The panel said the agency should revisit its assessment and take into account the studies it had ignored.

Yesterday, Laura Tarantino, director of the FDA’s Office of Food Additive Safety, said the FDA will respond to that recommendation by performing additional analysis. She said she did not know if it would last months or years.

“I can’t tell you when we will finalize this,” she said. “There is a lot of work.” [full article]

Is it me, or does it smell a bit like the FDA is stalling? I don’t think we’ve made it a secret that we distrust the FDA and its inability to look out for the safety of the public. From BPA to melamine in formula, I think I know where the American public stands. It’s behind the coporation giving the biggest donation in order to skew the results their way.

The FDA might maintain the safety of BPA, but plenty of independent studies show otherwise, and we will continue to promote alternatives and spread the word about the dangers of BPA. Thankfully, a lot of companies are following suit and giving the customers what they want, and that’s safer products to feed our children with.

Search Results for "melamine"

Apr

29

ZAK! Designs BPA free.

Filed Under Bisphenol-A

I’ve seen the character dishware sets in my local grocery store and Babies R Us and I’m sure you have too. I made a mental note to check them out, and then saw something sparkly and completely forgot about it. A quick check on google to see if I could find anything on them, turned up few results, so I contacted the company. They were very quick to respond, with their answer:

Our children’s products are all BPA free. Our plates and bowls are made from 100% melamine, which although it falls into the #7 recycling category it does not contain BPA. Our drink ware is made from polypropylene which falls into the #5 category.

We consistently test our products to ensure that we can safely guarantee them to be totally food contact safe for human use.

I hope this is helpful and we certainly appreciate your concern and interest in Zak Design products.

Given the fact that they have quite a few licensed character sets, I figured this would put parents minds at ease. We all know that there’s no amount of endless begging that occurs when kids see anything with their favorite character on it.

Search Results for "melamine"

Dec

9

BPA and Phthalate Free Breast Pumps

Filed Under Bisphenol-A, Food Safety, Product Safety

Last year when I found out I was pregnant one of the many questions that I was asked was whether I would breast or bottle feed my son. At that time melamine had not been found in infant formula in China but it had been found in dog food in the USA so I was concerned. I decided to contact several manufacturing companies but most of them would not release the origin of ingredients. After that discovery I decided that I wanted to breastfeed (but I still had to supplement with some formula). It took me a long time to get the hang of it and I can tell you from my experience that if I had not had a breast pump I would not have been able to continue breast feeding my son. Here is some information for those of you that are looking for a breast pump.

If you have any questions about any of these products, please contact the companies directly. Everyone that I spoke with or received an email from was very nice and was willing to answer any questions.

These companies use the abbreviation DEHP for phthalates.

Medela-The company states that “all Medela products and components that come into contact with breastmilk are made with polypropylene plastic and have always been BPA and DEHP-free”.-I’ve personally used 2 Medela products (an electric and hand pump) and found them easy to use and they have great customer service that can assist with questions. (SafeMama Favorite!)
Bailey Medical Deluxe Nurture III Double Electric Pump & Basic Nurture III Breast Pump- Are BPA and DEHP free.
Ameda (Evenflo)-They have been BPA free and DEHP Free since April 08. Look for the P at the end of the model # to make sure.
Dr. Brown’s-Currently has BPA in the connector piece (and yes that comes in contact with breast milk) and the pump comes with polycarbonate bottles. Currently they are DEHP free. They said they will be coming out with a new version soon that is BPA free.

BPA/Phthalate Free Breast Pumps Coming Soon:

Philips Avent – BPA free model coming out soon. Currently there is BPA in the funnel.
Playtex - BPA free model coming out at end of 08 and notification will be on package.
Lansinoh- “Our BPA-Free version of the Double Electric Breast Pump should be available in most major retailers by the beginning of the new year (Babies R Us, Wal-Mart, Target). It will run the same price.” -Thank you Marisa for sending us this info!

Search Results for "melamine"

Jan

20

Review: ThinkBaby Feeding Set

Filed Under Food Safety, Green Mama, Product Reviews

thinkbaby As a mom to a 3 year old attending preschool, food storage came to the forefront of my focus lately. He’s already outfitted with a safe lunchbox, but I wanted to make sure the food inside was wrapped safely, while being reusable to reduce waste. I got the chance to try out the new ThinkBaby Feeding Set and they have developed a great set that has a permanent home in our container repertoire.

The Thinkbaby Set is all lined with food grade stainless steel while the outer durable orange covering and lids are made with polypropylene. ThinkBaby prides themselves with the level of safety all parents hope for. All ThinkBaby items are free of BPA, Phthalates, PVC, lead, nitrosamines and melamine. And I can definitely appreciate that.

The ThinkBaby feeding set includes several items, packed into a cute gift box. It includes a rectangle Bento Box with snap on lid, soup bowl and baby bowl with lids – which have come in most handy for many scenarios. I pack fruit or snacks in the bowls, or store cold pasta salads and mini sandwiches in the Bento Box for the lunchbox. I also use them to bring fruit and snacks in my diaperbag to the playground or to grandma’s house. They even include a fork and spoon, perfectly sized for little hands and mouths… and they fit right in the Bento when you’re done. My only gripe was that a standard sandwich doesn’t fit in the Bento Box but if cut up smaller it works just fine.

My favorite, and mostly due to the stage my son is at, is the cup. I was just thinking about looking for a kid sized mug for him and ThinkBaby has that covered too. The cup is a great size, and has a generous handle making it really easy for him to pick up and use without spilling.

I’ve always loved all the ThinkBaby and ThinkSport products and this set is no exception to that love. I’ll be using this for my 3 year old son andfor my new baby when he or she starts baby food – this would make a perfect baby food storage set for on-the-go. Thumbs up from SafeMama!

Get it: You can pick up a set right on ThinkBaby’s website or at The Soft Landing,