Melamine: Cocoa and Wafer Rolls

The FDA has announced a recall of G&J Gourmet Market Cocoa Products due to melamine contamination. Big Lots and Shopko were distributors of the products. The Associated Press is reporting that Topaz Wafer Rolls have been recalled by the manufacturer National Brands due to melamine contamination.

FSIS Orders Testing of Retail Meat and Poultry

The FSIS issued a notice today ordering investigators from three departments to collect samples of processed food items such as baby food, meatballs and sausages for melamine testing. For more details about the sampling plan, the investigator's duties, as well as a list of examples of common milk-derived ingredients, see the notice.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/97-08.pdf

I think this is a step in the right direction, as long as there is transparency in the process and results are publicized. More testing of meat and poultry (animal tissue) needs to be done, as well. Some testing was done last year when it was determined that pigs and other animals were eating melamine tainted animal feed. Some animals made it to channels of trade and others were held back. I think it's pretty safe to assume that melamine has not been removed from animal feed since last year. Therefore testing of animal feed, needs to be done as well. Fertilizer too. Non-dairy ingredients such as vegetable proteins and chemical preservatives also need further scrutiny. Melamine could very well be in many more ingredients than previously thought, and knowledge of just how widespread the situation is could help us shore up the safety of our food supply. It might take years, but the FSIS notice indicates that the scope of melamine contamination is being taken seriously.

Milk Powder Contamination in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Food and Drugs Authority in Saudi Arabia have discovered melamine in batches of Nestle milk powder called NesVita Pro Bones. The contaminated batches are reported to have been manufactured in China in 2007 and 2008. There has been a temporary recall of the product while further testing is being conducted.

More Contaminated Eggs From China

More contaminated eggs have been discovered in Hong Kong according to government officials in Hong Kong.

Melamine in Chocolate from Walgreens

The FDA Press Release is at this link and below:

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. Walgreens Recalls 173 Teddy Bears With Chocolate Bars Sold Since Late September 2008

Contact:
Michael Polzin
(847) 914-2925

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- DEERFIELD, Ill., Dec. 5, 2008 – Walgreens is recalling 173 teddy bears with chocolate bars sold in stores since late September 2008. Analysis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that certain samples of the chocolate provided with the teddy bears were contaminated with melamine. Customers who purchased any of the 173 teddy bears should return them immediately to the Walgreens stores where they were purchased for a full refund.

Walgreens already has instructed stores to stop selling the product, which is specifically described as an approximately 9-inch high Dressy Teddy Bear with 4-oz. Chocolate Bar. The product's UPC number is 047475864485, and the product tag also includes the item number 291332. Walgreens has not received any reports of illness or injury related to this product.

Walgreens takes the safety of its customers seriously and is working with the FDA on this recall. For additional information, visit Walgreens Web site at http://www.walgreens.com/images/pdfs/recalls/TeddyBear_Product_Safety.pdf or contact Walgreens Product Quality department at 847-315-2755, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Central time.

861 Babies Remain Hospitalized in China From Melamine Milk

Gillian Wong of the Associated Press, Beijing is reporting that nearly 300,000 children were sickened by melamine tainted milk. The article points out that the Sanlu dairy group knew of melamine contamination for about a year before the contamination became worldwide news. It is unclear how many children may have died during the year leading up to the announcement of the contamination. 861 babies still remain hospitalized as a result of illness caused by the tainted dairy.