FDA Issues Guidelines For 'Acceptable' Melamine Levels In Infant Formula

"FDA's ongoing investigation continues to show that the domestic supply of infant formula is safe and that consumers can continue using U.S. manufactured infant formulas," according to a statement posted on the agency's website. "FDA has concluded that levels of melamine alone or cyanuric acid alone, at or below 1 part per million (ppm) in infant formula do not raise public health concerns."

Melamine is a chemical used in the manufacture of plastic, but it has been wrongfully used in China as an additive to milk, and other food products, to boost protein levels.

Melamine can damage kidneys, and cause other health problems, including death.

After ordering tests on the formula in September, in response to a melamine problem in China, the FDA compiled a study on some of the leading baby formula's in the U.S. in October.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration scientists performed a second test on the formula sample that tested positive. The first test found a melamine level of 137 parts per billion (ppb) and the other found levels of 140 ppb.

While a level of 250 ppb or less is considered a trace amount, when it comes to infant formula, or food for babies, there is controversy about whether any amount present is safe.

AHN Reporter Linda Young contributed to this report.