Trace level is misleading
In some scientific areas, ppm (parts per million) is not a trace level at all. ppb (parts per billion) is more generally referred to a trace level. For example, air pollution, most federal air quality standards are ppb level. So, these current melamine concentrations may be harmful if just based on concentration levels. Current china and Hongkong infant formula standards are 1 ppm and Taiwan’s is 0. However, those standards all are developed based on FDA 2.5 ppm melamine adult standard. It is questionable to say that current melamine concentrations in infant formula (0.2 ppm) are low as FDA implied.

Which level of melamine is safe?

As FDA indicated “FDA is currently unable to establish any level of melamine and melamine-related compounds in infant formula that does not raise public health concerns”. It is clear to state that any levels of melamine is possible to be harmful. Since melamine is a new food safety issue, the long term effects of melamine, especially on baby is totally unknown and will needs long time to determine. As a parent of baby and a person in science for 20 years, I strongly disagree with any “scientists” who claim that current level of melamine in US in infant formula (0.1 ppm) is safe, especially for infants. Where are their scientific data to demonstrate such safety?

1ppm Standard Is Irresponsible
Such standard is just based on an animal short term exposure study. Even though 1 ppm has some scientific base, it has extreme high uncertainty. Long-term exposure study on baby is a better approach to establish such standard. All scientists only agree that we are not sure which level is safe for the baby. Experience in China, honkong, and taiwan as well FDA data clearly indicate that it is not difficult to control the Melamine level lower than 0.05 ppm. So, 1 ppm standard is irresponsible. It is a ” Profit first, Baby safety last” approach. All parents should call your congress members to force FDA change their altitudes.

FDA should publish these data immediately
I am very disappointed that FDA only disclosed such data because of the request of The Associated Press under the Freedom of Information Act. Since FDA can not determine the safety level of melamine in infant formula, they should publish current available information to let parents to decide what actions they should take .

FDA actions are irresponsible
Melamine can be controlled no matter that it comes from intentional addition and formula produce processes. China, Taiwan, and Hongkong all demonstrate that. Most of current china, Taiwan and Hongkong infant formula are much lower than 0.1 ppm now. Because FDA did not take any action, all American baby might still eat such formula with higher melamine concentration, which is possible to be removed.