New melamine testing results available

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has updated its table of foods tested for melamine presence. “It is pleasing to see that most of the products we have tested continue to show no presence of melamine,” says Dr Geoff Allen, NZFSA Director (Compliance & Investigation).

“However, there has been one food imported from China, a milk-based drink called “Wahaha AD milk drink” in 100 ml bottles that has 3.3 parts per million (ppm) of melamine. NZFSA’s scientists have assessed the risks to consumers from this low level and we can advise people who may have drunk it that the level is below established safety limits and is unlikely to pose any health risk.

“Even though there is little risk to consumers we have informed the importer of the sampled product of this test result, and he has voluntarily removed the product from his shop shelves.”

Dr Allen says that most products likely to pose a significant risk have been identified. “NZFSA will publish the last few test results to come to its website over the next week or so. People interested in receiving email updates when this occurs can sign up to NZFSA’s website notification service.”

“If we find melamine at a level high enough to cause concern, we will act immediately and appropriately to warn the public as we did when testing found levels of 180 ppm in White Rabbit Creamy Candies.

“Our overriding priority at all times is the safety of consumers.”

The results, including risk assessments for products where melamine was detected, are available online at: http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/chemicals-nutrients-additives-and-toxins/melamine/index.htm