Melamine Testing

Melamine is a chemical compound that contains 66% nitrogen by mass with a variety of industrial uses. Because of melamine's high concentration of nitrogen by mass and the direct measurement of nitrogen in the food analysis of protein, it has been illegally added to pet food, and most recently dry milk powder, to increase the nitrogen content of the food product to artificially inflate the protein concentration. Although melamine itself is not terribly toxic to humans, melamine can combine with cyanuric acid to form a melamine-cyanuric acid complex that concentrates in the body and forms crystals in the renal microtubules, leading to kidney damage which may eventually lead to complete failure.

ABC Research Corporation is dedicated to the assistance of food companies by providing a wide array of analyses that identify adulterants in food in order to keep the food supply safe and wholesome. Therefore, we are offering several methods of analysis for the quantiation of melamine.

Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)

The GC/MS method is based on a U.S. FDA method published April 2007. Samples are extracted with organic solvent and analytes are subsequently converted to trimethylsilyl derivatives for analysis by GC/MS. Detection limit: 0.5 ppm

Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA)

Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed for the analysis of melamine in wheat gluten, pet food, milk and milk powder.

Detection Limit: 10 ppb

FOR BOTH METHODS

Sample Size: 100 grams

Normal Turnaround Time: 5-7 working days

For RUSH sample turnaround and analytical fees associated with melamine testing, please contact Larry Clement at (352) 372-0436 x333 or send an email to info@abcr.com.

Please visit our FAQs page for a complete list of directions and documents needed to send samples to our laboratory for analysis.