New Delhi

WHO warns against melamine contamination

NEW DELHI: The World Health Organisation (WHO) is alerting its member States southeast Asia on the possible dangers of distribution and consumption of melamine-contaminated milk products.

Contaminated batches of infant formula or other milk-containing products such as biscuits, chocolates and snack food have reportedly been exported to the region, posing a serious public health risk, especially to infants.

So far no cases of infants with kidney stones or other kidney problems (anuria, or renal failure), related to the consumption of infant formula, have been reported in the southeast Asia region.

The WHO has recommended exclusive breastfeeding for all infants for the first six months. No other liquid or food, not even water, is needed during this period. Thereafter, infants should receive adequate and safe supplementary foods, while breastfeeding can continue up to two years and beyond. Replacing powdered infant formula with other products such as condensed milk, honey mixed with milk, or fresh milk is not recommended as this could compromise on safety and nutrition, a statement issued by the WHO said.

The WHO’s southeast Asia regional office is taking steps to support member States in dealing with the issue. Information on reported and confirmed contaminated products has been shared with the member-states. This is being regularly updated to alert authorities to potentially contaminated products, including non-dairy products such as eggs which could carry over melamine from animal feed.

Further, the WHO has recommended that the governments set standards for maximum limits of melamine content in food products. A surveillance case definition has also been provided to member-states.

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