CCMAS endorses IDF/ISO Guidelines for melamine determination in milk products, infant formula

In response to the crisis caused by milk adulterated with melamine that affected thousands of children in 2008, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed a technical specification (TS)/reviewed method (RM): ISO/TS 15495 | IDF/RM 230:2010, Milk, milk products and infant formulae - Guidelines for the quantitative determination of melamine and cyanuric acid by LC-MS/MS.

At its 32^nd session, 7-11 March 2011, the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) endorsed the joint IDF/ISO Guidelines for milk, milk products and infant formula. The endorsement of these guidelines means that an internationally harmonized procedure has now been approved that will allow authorities to check the level of melamine in powdered infant formula against the recently adopted Codex maximum level of 1 mg melamine per kg of product.

'These current recommended guidelines provide a robust means for regulatory authorities, manufacturers and producers to ensure the integrity and safety of tested milk and derivative products and help prevent further incidents" says Professor árpád Ambrus, chair of the CCMAS.

CCMAS is recommending this method for final adoption by the Codex Alimentarius Commission in July 2011.

''The publication of these guidelines was achieved in a very short time span in response to the event of milk adulteration with melamine. The availability of the method will help reinforce consumer confidence in the milk industry's ability to guarantee safe and nutritious products. It also clearly demonstrates the strength of IDF and ISO's collaboration, especially concerning matters regarding food safety/public health and protection.'' says Richard Doyle, President of the IDF.

Codex has adopted more than 60 joint IDF/ISO standards for methods of analysis which facilitate international trade in dairy products and protect the consumer.