Nestle makes blockbuster revelation in melamine scandal - in SA source is melamine laced cattle feed

[Shallah Kali]

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/28/1316/0758/894/667293

A blockbuster revelation in the melamine scandal arrived today in the form of a little-noticed statement by the world's largest food company, Nestle, which announced that melamine discovered in its baby formula in South Africa was caused by "contaminated animal feed" fed to dairy animals. In a May 7, 2007 diary, I had warned about such a problem and urged FDA officials to test U.S. milk supplies after melamine was discovered here in corn gluten that is sometimes fed to dairy cows.

Today's news follows an Associated Press report, on Wednesday, that the FDA had found traces of melamine or cyanuric acid had been found in U.S.-produced infant formula, prompting demands for a recall.

*snip*

Prompt Action Needed

Nestle's reported finding of melamine transfer to fresh milk puts pressure on U.S. authorities to test U.S. dairy products for potential melamine contamination. The new finding also raises additional questions about the adequacy of interim risk assessments issued by US food safety officials in 2007 and 2008. Public comments on the most recent assessment will be accepted through January 12, 2009.

Submit written comments to the Division of Dockets
Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane,
rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Submit electronic comments to
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.regulations.gov.