theblackalchemist Posted December 6, 2008 Report Share Posted December 6, 2008 WHO sets first limits for safe melamine levels in food GENEVA: The World Health Organization on Friday issued safety limits for melamine levels in food as international concern mounted over a wideningtainted food scandal in China. It is the first time WHO experts have issued safety limits for the use of the industrial chemical and they stressed that melamine should not be used in food at all. The so-called Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) has been fixed at 0.2 mg per kilogramme of body weight. This means that a person who weighs 50kg can tolerate up to 10mg of melamine per day, said the WHO. "We expect this could better guide the authorities in protecting the health of their public," said Jorgen Schlundt, WHO director for food safety. The UN agency stressed however that the industrial chemical "should not be in food" even though traces are sometimes unavoidable. "The TDI is meant to help national authorities set safe limits in food for withdrawal purposes should melamine be detected as a result of intentional adulteration," added the WHO. China said Monday that 294,000 children had been made ill by consuming dairy products containing melamine, with 154 still in serious condition. Melamine can cause kidney stones if taken in excessive levels. It has been routinely mixed into Chinese milk and dairy products to give them the impression of having higher protein content. China said six deaths since September may have been caused by tainted dairy products. The confirmed death toll so far is three infants. WHO sets first limits for safe melamine levels in food -Health/Sci-The Times of India Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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