More on Melamine

We're now up to six ingredients known to have melamine contamination issues: wheat gluten, corn gluten, corn meal, soy protein, rice bran and rice protein. And it's not just cat and dog food anymore, either, since it has been revealed that contaminated pet food was fed to hogs that were part of the human food supply. They think they caught most of the hogs before slaughter. They also think the melamine concentration levels are a low risk for humans. But still, it's quite disturbing to think about how poorly regulated the food supply is.

For those who haven't been following the news closely, the melamine was most likely added deliberately by the Chinese companies to boost the protein readings. See, the protein test doesn't really actually test protein--it tests nitrogen levels, which are considered an indicator of protein. So adding melamine boosted the nitrogen readings, which made it seem as though the ingredient had more protein, so they could sell it for a higher price. So they poisoned cats, dogs, and now people just to make a couple extra bucks. It's sickening.

At least the FDA is getting more aggressive about it. They've raided the offices of Menu Foods and ChemNutra. So the drama is still unfolding.