Pet Food, Infant Formula Contamination Possibly Linked

Cincinnati—A recent study published in the November issue of Toxicological Sciences examined the possible link between the pet food contamination that occurred in North America in 2007 and the recent Chinese melamine scandal involving infant formula. Study findings revealed that, on their own, melamine and cyanuric acid are not toxic. However, together they create a toxic compound that forms in the tubules of the kidney, blocking urine flow and causing renal failure. The study also found that melamine-cyanuric acid complex is soluble in acid, suggesting that acidification of the urine in the distal tubules of the kidney may be a reasonable treatment option.