(June 2012)
Melamine is used in plastics and other products. There can be trace amounts of melamine in foods due to leaching from food contact materials, however these trace amounts don't present a health concern.
In 2008 Chinese health officials advised that melamine had been found in a baby formula product and, later, in other dairy products.
Following this advice FSANZ, together to state and territory authorities, conducted a survey in which foods manufactured in China and available in Australia were tested for melamine. As a result of that survey a number of products were withdrawn by importers and one product was recalled.
Australia does not import infant formula products from China due to quarantine restrictions.
Maximum melamine levels in food
FSANZ conducted a risk assessment on melamine in food and has reached conclusions about acceptable levels of melamine that do not pose a health or safety risk.