RSSL Launches Validated Melamine Tests

The development of a more sensitive test has been initiated by the contaminated milk scandal in China, which initially involved baby milk formulas, but has now extended to other products such as milk and chocolates.

08/10/08 Reading Scientific Services Ltd has developed two test methods for melamine that can be applied to a variety of different matrices. The methods utilise HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) and the more sensitive LC-MS (liquid chromatography mass spectrometry) allowing RSSL to offer variable limits of detection according to the clients' requirements. Detection limits as low as 1 ppm are achievable for certain matrices.

The development of a more sensitive test has been initiated by the contaminated milk scandal in China, which initially involved baby milk formulas, but has now extended to other products such as milk and chocolates.

The EU is currently requiring all items imported from China that contain more than 15% milk as an ingredient, or products where the percentage of milk content cannot be established, to be subject to documentary, identity and physical checks, including laboratory analysis, to determine that any levels of melamine present in the product do not exceed 2.5 ppm. If melamine levels in excess of 2.5 ppm are detected, then those products will need to be destroyed. This limit is subject to revision, hence the desire to offer more sensitive testing.