HHS/FDA Detects Melamine Contamination in Flavored Drink

October 6, 2008 - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has increased inspections and product-testing efforts in response to the melamine-contamination problem that originated in Chinese dairy products.  As a result of HHS/FDA’s on-going testing program, the agency has detected melamine contamination in Blue Cat Flavor Drinks.  The distributor of the product, Tristar Food Wholesale Company, Inc., has initiated a recall of several flavors of Blue Cat Flavor Drink, based on HHS/FDA’s findings.  HHS/FDA advises the public not to consume this product, and recommends that retailers and food service operators remove the product from sale or service.

Other Recalls
On September 26, 2008, HHS/FDA issued an alert to consumers that a Taiwan-based company, King Car Food Industrial Company Ltd., was recalling seven Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products because of possible contamination with melamine.  King Car Food Industrial Company used a non-dairy creamer manufactured by Shandong Duqing, Inc., of the People’s Republic of China that was found contaminated with melamine.  The recalled products are the following:

• Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1);
• Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1);
• Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1);
• Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1);
• Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-in-1);
• Mr. Brown Mandhling Blend instant Coffee (2-in-1); and
• Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1).

HHS/FDA recommends consumers not drink any of the above Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products.  HHS/FDA also recommends retailers and foodservice operators remove the products from sale or service.

Sunny Maid Corporation of Monterey Park, California , which is an importer and distributor of Mr. Brown Instant Coffee products, is recalling the products in the United States.

HHS/FDA is working with regulatory agencies in the United States, as well as those in other countries.  The California Department of Public Health and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority reported that their testing of White Rabbit Creamy Candies has shown melamine contamination at high levels.  In light of the widespread contamination of milk and milk-based products in the People’s Republic of China and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s finding, HHS/FDA continues to recommend that consumers not eat White Rabbit Creamy Candy, and that retailers and foodservice operations remove the product from sale or service.

A recall of the White Rabbit Creamy Candies by QFCO, Inc., of Burlingame, California, is underway in the United States.  HHS/FDA is closely monitoring these recalls, and will continue to perform follow-up activities of other recalls that could develop.

To date, HHS/FDA is not aware of any illnesses in the United States that stems from consumption of Blue Cat Flavor Drinks, White Rabbit Creamy Candy, or the Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products.

Individuals who have experienced any health problems after consuming Blue Cat Flavor Drinks, White Rabbit Creamy Candy, or any of the identified Mr. Brown coffee and tea products should contact their health-care professional.

Background
On September 12, 2008, in light of reports from the People’s Republic of China of infant formula contaminated with Melamine, HHS/FDA issued a Health Information Advisory to assure the American public there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell such products in the United States.  That advisory also warned members of Chinese communities in the United States that infant formula manufactured in the People’s Republic of China, possibly available for purchase at Asian markets, could pose a risk to infants.  HHS/FDA has contacted the companies that manufacture infant formula for distribution in the United States, and has received information from the companies that they are not importing formula or sourcing milk-based materials from the People’s Republic of China.

At the same time, HHS/FDA—in conjunction with U.S. State and local officials—began a nation-wide investigation to check Asian markets for Chinese-manufactured infant formula brought into the United States.  In particular, this effort focused on areas of the country with large Chinese communities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and New York.  To date, investigators have visited more than 1,800 retail markets, and have not found Chinese infant formula present on shelves.

HHS/FDA also advises consumers not to purchase infant formula manufactured in the People’s Republic of China from Internet sites, or from other sources.

HHS/FDA has taken, and will continue to take, proactive measures to help ensure the safety of the American food supply.  In conjunction with U.S. State and local officials, HHS/FDA will continue to check Asian markets for food items imported from the People’s Republic of China that could contain a significant amount of milk or milk proteins.  In addition, HHS/FDA has broadened its sampling and testing of domestic and imported ingredients and finished food products that contain milk, such as candies, desserts, and beverages that could contain these ingredients from Chinese sources.  Milk-derived ingredients include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder, and casein.

In addition to U.S. State and local Governments, HHS/FDA is working in close cooperation with Customs and Border Protection within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the HHS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other Federal agencies, and foreign Governments.

Last revised: October 06, 2008