MELAMINE'S level of toxicity is not very high, but it is known to cause urinary problems and bladder stones when consumed, according to Dr Leong Lai Peng, a senior lecturer in the food science and technology programme at the National University of Singapore.
It may also cause cancer, said DrLeong, adding that a research paper has shown that male rats exposed to high dosages developed carcinomas, which are malignant cancers.
Melamine itself contains a lot of nitrogen, which may explain why China infant formula producers added it to their products.
Dr Leong said that when food testers examine products for protein content, they look at nitrogen levels. Adding melamine would make the product look like it had more protein than it actually did.
Cooking does not make melamine less dangerous as its toxicity is not likely to be reduced even after exposure to heat.
It may also react with certain components in food products such as sugar, glucose and fructose, but no studies have been done to examine the results of this reaction, said Dr Leong.
It may also cause cancer, said DrLeong, adding that a research paper has shown that male rats exposed to high dosages developed carcinomas, which are malignant cancers.
Melamine itself contains a lot of nitrogen, which may explain why China infant formula producers added it to their products.
Dr Leong said that when food testers examine products for protein content, they look at nitrogen levels. Adding melamine would make the product look like it had more protein than it actually did.
Cooking does not make melamine less dangerous as its toxicity is not likely to be reduced even after exposure to heat.
It may also react with certain components in food products such as sugar, glucose and fructose, but no studies have been done to examine the results of this reaction, said Dr Leong.
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