NZFSA’s Risk management strategy for melamine in food

Level found

Description

Response options

Infant Formula containing melamine greater than 1ppm (limit of detection)

Low level contamination has a greater potential for harm in this vulnerable population.

Incidental and possible adulteration

Appropriate action to be taken according to specific facts coupled with detailed investigation if economic adulteration is possible.

Food (in its final state) containing melamine at or less than 2.5 ppm

Low level presence may be due to environmental or processing contamination (such as migration from packaging or pesticide residue).

Incidental

No response required.

Possible adulteration

Investigation if other evidence suggests economic adulteration.

Food (in its final state) containing melamine greater than 2.5 ppm

Risk determined on a case-by-case basis. A risk assessment will be undertaken based on the level of melamine in the food, the food type, frequency of consumption, and likelihood of economic adulteration.

Incidental

Appropriate action to be taken according to specific facts. Actions may include, Director-General statement (section 37 of the Food Act), working with industry on a voluntary withdrawal, or recall of product (section 40 of the Food Act).

Possible adulteration

Appropriate action to be taken according to specific facts coupled with detailed investigation of possible economic adulteration. Actions may include, Director-General statement (section 37 of the Food Act), working with industry on a voluntary withdrawal, or recall of product (section 40 of the Food Act).

Ingredient containing melamine less than 5 ppm

Low level presence may be due to environmental or processing contamination (such as migration from packaging or pesticide residue).

Incidental

No action required.

Possible adulteration

Investigation if other evidence suggests economic adulteration.

Ingredient containing melamine at or greater than 5 ppm

Risk determined on a case-by-case basis. A risk assessment will be undertaken based on the level of melamine in the food, the food type, frequency of consumption, and likelihood of economic adulteration.

Incidental

Appropriate action to be taken according to specific facts. Actions may include, Director-General statement (section 37 of the Food Act), working with industry on a voluntary withdrawal, or recall of product (section 40 of the Food Act).

Possible adulteration

Appropriate action to be taken according to specific facts coupled with detailed investigation of possible economic adulteration. Actions may include, Director-General statement (section 37 of the Food Act), working with industry on a voluntary withdrawal, or recall of product (section 40 of the Food Act).