Lasers Detect Melamine in Baby Formula

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.Using infrared lasers and light spectroscopy methods can detect melamine in baby formula at one part per million in about five minutes or less, according to new research from Purdue University.

"We have found detection methods that are inexpensive and do not require a lot of the product or time for sampling," said Lisa Mauer, an associate professor of food science, whose paper on the testing method was published in the early online version of The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. "Any company could do this itself. Police agencies, state departments of health and many colleges have this type of equipment."

Federal guidelines allow for only one part per million of melamine in infant formula and up to two and a half parts per million in other products. Having an inexpensive and quick test would make it easier to test imported or domestically made products for melamine.