FDA has announced that trace amounts of the chemical melamine have been detected in the United States infant formula supply.  Current reports suggest that this contamination is related to contact with manufacturing equipment and not due to contamination of the ingredients used to manufacture the formulas.

We will continue to monitor the situation as it pertains to the Georgia WIC Program and will notify you in the event any action is necessary. Please be aware that you and your staff will likely begin receiving inquires about this issue from your WIC clients.  The key points to remember, based on current information, are:

1. The amounts of melamine detected are "trace" amounts. FDA tests of Mead Johnson, Nestle, and (independent tests of) Ross/Abbott formulas have all identified trace amounts of the chemical.

2. Melamine is approved for use in manufacturing equipment that comes into contact with food products. Current reports suggest that the formula contamination is from contact with the manufacturing equipment... NOT from intentional contamination by introduction of the chemical into ingredients used in the formula itself (which was what happen in China).

3. The FDA encourages parents to continue feeding their infants whatever formula products they are currently using. At this time it is not suggested that any change be made in formula-fed infants' diets.

Additional information and updates are available on the FDA website, which can be accessed at:   http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/melamine.html.