In 2008, it was discovered that some pet food, infant formula, and milk products were contaminated with melamine and related compounds. An investigation revealed that melamine was intentionally added to raw materials, such as wheat gluten and rice protein, to inflate nitrogen content; often the sole measure of protein content. Because these raw materials appeared to contain more protein than they did, they could be sold at a higher price. Melamine, which is toxin to mammals, survives processing steps and ends up in the final food and beverage products. Both HPLC and GC methods exist for the detection of melamine and related nitrogen-containing compounds in various matrices.
