Melamine a Potent Carcinogen: Detection in Packed and Unpacked Milk Samples Collected from Different Regions of Lahore, Pakistan by ELISA Method: Melamine Detection in Milk

Naseem Zahra; Muhammad Khalid Saeed; Areeba Javaid; Muntaha Shahid; Shamakh Naveed; Asma Saeed

doi:10.54393/df.v6i1.163

Authors

Naseem Zahra Food and Biotechnology Research Centre, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratories Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Khalid Saeed Food and Biotechnology Research Centre, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratories Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
Areeba Javaid Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Muntaha Shahid Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Shamakh Naveed Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Asma Saeed Food and Biotechnology Research Centre, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratories Complex, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/df.v6i1.163

Keywords:

Melamine, Milk Safety, Packaged Milk, Food Contamination, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Abstract

Melamine is a nitrogen-rich compound often added to milk to enhance its protein contents. The European Commission has established a permissible limit of 2.5mg/kg for melamine, as excessive amounts can lead to kidney stones and other health risks for both infants and adults. Objective: To assess melamine concentrations in both packed and unpacked milk samples from various regions in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: An experimental study was conducted using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique to detect melamine levels in milk samples. Measurements were obtained at a wavelength of 450 nm, following standard ELISA protocols. Results: The analysis revealed that one unpackaged milk sample contained melamine levels exceeding the permissible limit at 6.3+0.1mg/kg, while the other samples were deemed safe for consumption. Additionally, while melamine was detected in packed milk samples, all were within safe consumption levels. Conclusions: In conclusion, melamine was not found in the packaged milk samples, adhering to the acceptable limits set by the European Commission in 2009; however, one unpackaged milk sample showed a concerning level of melamine.

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