Is your child’s Halloween candy poisoned with melamine?

By: D. H. Williams @ 5:36 PM - EST

What is Melamine?

Melamine is a synthetic white powder used in plastic making and in fertilizers.

It was first synthesized by a German scientist in the 1830’s. Melamine is used primarily in the manufacture of floor tiles, white boards and commercial filters.

Melamine is marketed under a variety of commercial names used to remove scuff marks and dirt from a range of surfaces. Melamine is also used to produce flame retardant materials such as uniforms worn by firemen.

How did Melamine get in the U.S. food supply?

Melamine was introduced when Chinese dairies began to water down milk to increase its volume. Knowing that the milk would be tested for protein levels by companies who use the milk or milk powder to make products such as baby formula unscrupulous corporations added melamine.

Protein levels in milk and milk powder products are tested by measuring nitrogen levels, adding melamine to milk boosts nitrogen.

The poisoning of Chinese milk products was discovered prior to the Beijing Olympics but was kept quiet as the worlds press did not want to taint the Olympic games. This allowed the tainted milk to travel across China sickening 53,000 children 13,000 of which required hospitalization, four known deaths occurred although the number of actual deaths is likely higher than being reported.

How does melamine harm you?

Because there are no human studies on the effects on melamine the FDA and trade organizations used to shield corporations from liability claim they have no knowledge of melamine being dangerous to humans.

However melamine has proven to cause bladder stones in animals. And when melamine is combined with cyanuric acid, which is often already present in melamine powder, melamine can form crystals that give rise to kidney stones. The melamine can also crystallize in kidney tubes blocking connecting ducts, resulting in kidney damage or renal failure.

As of a month ago 1300 babies in China are hospitalized and suffering from acute kidney failure. All are linked to the consumption of milk products laced with melamine.

Melamine has been introduced into the U.S. food supply

Companies in North America have imported 200 million pounds of Chinese milk powder all which could be laced with melamine.  Twenty million pounds by companies in the United States.

The milk powdered is used in a variety of food manufacturing processes. Primarily you will find milk powder used in infant formula, candies, chocolates, and baked goods.

There has been virtually no testing of products imported from China or products made in the United States from the imported milk powder.

Many in the U.S. food industry claim no one wants to rock the boat or upset the public so close to the November elections. Doctors in the United States are reporting they are surprised to see children with kidney stones as young as five or six. These diagnosis Indicate there has been a long term problem with food safety in the United States.

Your child’s Halloween candy may be tainted

There are major concerns about the Halloween candy being sold by major chain stores in the United States. You can go to most any large retailer and find Halloween related candy that was made in China or made with milk powdered imported from China. The problem is none of these stores is willing to conduct any tests to show the product is safe or contaminated with melamine.

Most nations around the world have been pulling products made with imported Chinese milk powder from the shelves but here in the United States little is being done to insure the food supply is safe.

What can I do?

My best advice is first give up any notion of your government or multinational corporations coming to your rescue. Your health and the health of your family is not their primary concern.

I would start by avoiding any candies and confections imported directly form China, the shelves are full of these products. I would also bring these products to the attention of store managers and ask them what they know about melamine poisoning in our food supply and the effect melamine has particularly to the young.

I would also urge you to contact your local media and ask them if they know what melamine is and that it could be in their children’s Halloween candy. Perhaps you could suggest they investigate by buying some samples at the local store and have them tested.

Ultimately the responsibility is ours and we must hold corporations who sell these contaminated products accountable.

Video: Halloween candy may be full of deadly melamine

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