Where did the melamine in animal feed come from?
As of May 30, 2007, Dr. David Acheson of the FDA announced that this melamine contamination event is entirely unrelated to the pet food problem, and that the melamine did not come from China. Two US companies, Tembec of Toledo, OH and Uniscope, Inc., of Johnstown, CO, began a voluntary recall of their products on May 30. Acheson explained that this is “another recall of a melamine product, but it is not a product that has wound up in pet foods.” Acheson was appointed to a newly created FDA position, Assistant Commissioner for Food Protection, May 1. Tembec makes an ingredient used by Uniscope and also sells some product directly. Acheson said it has been confirmed that Tembec added melamine to its formulation of a binding agent used in animal feed intended for cattle, sheep, goats, or fish and shrimp. A binding agent is a chemical that makes the food pellet hold together. Uniscope notified the FDA of the concern in mid-May, according to Acheson. As of now, the FDA indicated it is inves
