Gov't finds melamine in New Zealand milk product

SEOUL, Oct. 1 (Yonhap) -- The government said Wednesday that it found the chemical melamine in a milk-based product imported from New Zealand.

The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) said the industrial chemical
melamine, which can cause kidney problems in humans if ingested, was found in two
samples of lactoferrin protein, which is made from purified milk.
Its confirmation marks the first time that a product made outside China has been
shown to contain traces of melamine.
Lactoferrin is commonly used in baby formulas, powdered milk, baby food and other
dietary supplements designed to strengthen the immune system.
The health agency said the products were found as part of a broader screening
process being conducted by South Korean authorities following the discovery of
traces of the chemical in several Chinese confections and animal feed last month.
The KFDA said that while 2 parts per million (ppm) were detected, none of the
powdered milk or other baby food products containing lactoferrin tested positive
for melamine.
Melamine is a nitrogen-based chemical widely used to make kitchen utensils that
can pose serious health risks if ingested in large quantities. If added to
dairy-based foods, its nitrogen can artificially increase protein levels,
translating into higher profits for the manufacturer.
China, which has been rocked by the melamine scare, said at least four infants
have died, while 54,000 others were hospitalized for kidney stones or other
illnesses after ingesting the chemical.