MELAMINE IN MILK:

                    MELAMINE IN MILK:                          

MELAMINE:- (ORGANIC COMPOUND)

CONTEXT:-

The Government has extended the ban on import of milk and It's Products , Including Chocolates , from China till Laboratories at Ports For Testing presence of Toxic Chemical Melamine are Upgraded.

BACKGROUND:- 

# Food regulator FSSAI had recommended extending the ban Until all labs at Ports are modernised to test the chemical.

# The Ban was First Imposed in September 2008 and extended Subsequently From time to time.

KEY FACTS:-

# India is the world's largest producer and consuo of Milk.

# It produces around 150 million tonnes milk annually.

# Uttar Pradesh is the leading state in Milk production Followed by Rajasthan and Gujarat.

WHY IS MELAMINE ADDED:-

# In China Water has been added to row milk to increase Its volume.

# As a result of this dilution the milk has a Lower protein concentration.

# Companies Using the Milk for Further Production (Eg- Of powdo infant formula) normally check the protein level through a test Measuring nitrogen content.

# The addition of melamine increases the nitrogen content of the milk and therefore It's apparent protein content.

# Addition of Melamine into Food is not Approved by the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius (Food standard Commission) by any National Authorities.

WHAT IS MELAMINE:-

# Melamine is an Organic base Chemical commonly Found in the Form of White Crystal Rich in Nitrogen.