NSF International announced a new testing service for suppliers in the food industry to detect the presence of melamine, an industrial chemical used in plastics that was recently found in pet food products.
Melamine is frequently used in product materials and synthetic fibers, clothing, inks and plastic food containers. The chemical was added to wheat gluten and rice protein exported from China to increase protein levels in animal feeds. China has since banned its exporters from using the chemical as an additive in feeds.
NSF, an independent testing laboratory, is expanding its melamine testing capabilities following the widespread pet food contamination and the ensuing product recall. The resulting melamine contamination has generated an increased demand by pet food manufacturers who are seeking accredited laboratories that test for melamine presence.
To meet international commerce needs in China, NSF has an accredited testing laboratory in Shanghai that will conduct the testing and local auditors that will inspect the facilities to screen for melamine and other toxins. This process will ensure that products and raw materials exported overseas can be evaluated prior to being exported.
NSF’s melamine testing capabilities include laboratory analysis of processed foods, animal feeds, wheat gluten, rice protein concentrate and corn gluten. NSF uses FDA analytical methods for melamine testing, screening and quantitative analysis using chromatographic techniques, including analysis using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry or High Pressure Liquid Chromatography. In addition to melamine, NSF can also test for heavy metals, pesticides, antibiotics, microbiologicals and diethylene glycol (DEG). For more information on these testing services, contact Kurt Kneen, Ph.D., director, NSF’s Chemistry Laboratory, at [email protected] or 734-827-6874.
NSF, an independent testing laboratory, is expanding its melamine testing capabilities following the widespread pet food contamination and the ensuing product recall. The resulting melamine contamination has generated an increased demand by pet food manufacturers who are seeking accredited laboratories that test for melamine presence.
To meet international commerce needs in China, NSF has an accredited testing laboratory in Shanghai that will conduct the testing and local auditors that will inspect the facilities to screen for melamine and other toxins. This process will ensure that products and raw materials exported overseas can be evaluated prior to being exported.
NSF’s melamine testing capabilities include laboratory analysis of processed foods, animal feeds, wheat gluten, rice protein concentrate and corn gluten. NSF uses FDA analytical methods for melamine testing, screening and quantitative analysis using chromatographic techniques, including analysis using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry or High Pressure Liquid Chromatography. In addition to melamine, NSF can also test for heavy metals, pesticides, antibiotics, microbiologicals and diethylene glycol (DEG). For more information on these testing services, contact Kurt Kneen, Ph.D., director, NSF’s Chemistry Laboratory, at [email protected] or 734-827-6874.
