Ban on Chinese milk Chinese milk products in INDIA

Extend ban on import of Chinese milk, chocolates for 1 year: FSSAI

Food safety organisation FSSAI has recommended for extending the ban on import of milk and milk products including chocolates from China for one year till June 23, 2016.

India had first imposed the ban in September 2008 due to presence of melamine, used for making plastics and fertilizer.

India, however, does not import milk products from China in high quantity , but as a preventive measure, it has imposed the ban.

The ban has been extended multiple times so far by the Department of Foreign Trade (DGFT) till June 23 this year.

"Ban on import of milk and milk products, including chocolates and chocolate products and candies/confectioneries/ food preparations with milk and milk solids as ingredients from China may be extended for a period of one year, upto June 23, 2016..

"..unless the safety risk assessment is undertaken based on availability of credible reports and supporting data in respect of the said products, whichever is earlier," Food Safety and Standards

Authority of India said in its latest order.

Why was melamine added into milk and powdered infant formula

In China, where adulteration has occurred, water has been added to raw milk to increase its volume. As a result of this dilution the milk has a lower protein concentration. Companies using the milk for further production (e.g. of powdered infant formula) normally check the protein level through a test measuring nitrogen content. The addition of melamine increases the nitrogen content of the milk and therefore its apparent protein content.

Addition of melamine into food is not approved by the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius (food standard commission), or by any national authorities.

What are the health effects of melamine consumptions in humans?

While there are no direct human studies on the effect of melamine data from animal studies can be used to predict adverse health effects. Melamine alone causes bladder stones in animal tests. When combined with cyanuric acid, which may also be present in melamine powder, melamine can form crystals that can give rise to kidney stones.

These small crystals can also block the small tubes in the kidney potentially stopping the production of urine, causing kidney failure and, in some cases, death. Melamine has also been shown to have carcinogenic effects in animals in certain circumstances, but there is insufficient evidence to make a judgment on carcinogenic risk in humans.

What are the symptoms and signs of melamine poisoning?

Irritability, blood in urine, little or no urine, signs of kidney infection, high blood pressure

What is the treatment for kidney stones and kidney failure?

Patients may receive various types of treatment, depending on the severity of the kidney effects. Treatment may include infusion of fluids and urine alkalinisation, correction of electrolyte and acid-base disturbance, haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, or surgical removal of kidney stones.