MELAMINE CONTAMINATED MILK PRODUCTS PRODUCED IN CHINA

Updated: October 21, 2008

• Travel Health Notice
• About Melamine Contaminated Milk Products
• Recommendations to Travelers
• Monitor Your Health
• Don’t Forget...
• Other Related Information

Travel Health Notice

The Ministry of Health of China reports that there are thousands of children who have sought medical treatment and have been hospitalized due to powdered infant formula contaminated with the chemical melamine. There have also been several deaths associated with this contaminated infant formula. In addition, dairy products made in China and exported to other countries have been found to contain melamine.

It is recommended that travellers to China, with a baby who is bottle-fed, avoid using infant formula or other milk products. If such products must be used, it is recommended that travellers seek advice from local public health authorities on which products have been confirmed to be free of melamine. Milk-derived ingredients include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder, and casein.

For up-to-date information please see World Health Organization Disease Outbreak News .

About Melamine Contaminated Milk Products

Melamine, a chemical used in a number of commercial and industrial applications, is unsafe for human consumption. Melamine is not approved or permitted in food in Canada.

Symptoms

• Consumption of melamine may lead to reproductive damage, bladder or kidney stones, bladder cancer, acute kidney failure and death.

Transmission

• The effects of melamine are directly related to consumption of products containing the chemical and cannot be spread between people. Currently melamine has been found in infant formula and has been possibly linked to other dairy products made in China.

Recommendations for travellers

It is recommended that travellers to China, with a baby who is bottle-fed:

• avoid using infant formula or other milk products.
• If such products must be used, it is recommended that travellers seek advice from local public health authorities on which products have been confirmed to be free of melamine. Milk-derived ingredients include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder, and casein.

Monitor your health

If your child has consumed any infant formula made in China, the risk of ill effects is low. However, if you have concerns or your child has any unusual symptoms, consult your health care provider.

As always no matter where you may be travelling, if you are ill while travelling:

1. Contact the Canadian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission for a recommendation of a health care provider.  Information is available through the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) . 

If you are ill upon your return to Canada:

1. Inform your health care provider of your symptoms
2. Tell him/her, without being asked, where you have been and what, if any, treatment or medical care you have received while traveling (e.g., blood transfusions, injections, dental care, and surgery)

Don’t Forget ...

1. Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic
   • An appointment at least 6 weeks prior to international travel is ideal
2. Know your health risks
3. Learn what you can do to stay healthy when travelling
4. Know what vaccines to get and when to get them

Other Related Information

For up-to-date information on melamine in products made in China see the Canadian Food Inspection Agency

 

For further information on the situation in China see World Health Organization – Disease Outbreak News

 

For up-to-date information about the safety of milk products in Canada, see the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Food Recalls and Allergy Alerts