Alleged chemical that killed dogs may be used in human foods

By Tarryn Le Chat
01 May 2007

Melamine, the chemical said to be linked to dog food allegations that had killed as many as 25 dogs in South Africa, may be used in hman foods.

According to reports, Fred Reyers, a veterinary pathologist now in private practice, made the comments yesterday reports by the New York Times and AP that Chinese food producers regularly added melamine to animal feed and had done so for years.

The chemical is 60 percent nitrogen and has no nutritional value, but is an inexpensive additive produced from boiled coal that allows food-makers to charge more fort heir products by falsely claiming it has more protein.

While melamine has been considered as non-toxic to humans, it had been shown to cause cancer in lab rats when given in high concentrations.

Royal Canin, maker of Vets Choice Premium Dog Food, recalled its products after melamine was the alleged to be the reason for many pets falling ill and deaths.