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Dose-Response Toxicity for Co-Administered Melamine and Cyanuric Acid

Collaborative studies by investigators at NCTR, CFSAN, and CVM suggest that the Tolerable Daily Intake values for melamine (and its analogues) may need to be reviewed to ensure an adequate safety margin for dietary exposure to melamine and its analogues. Evaluation of dose response studies for co-exposure of melamine and cyanuric acid in rodents showed a significant increase in kidney toxicity over studies evaluating exposure of each chemical individually. Cyanuric acid is a common contaminating product of scrap melamine and together these chemicals form an unusually stable crystal structure that can destroy the kidney structure and eventually lead to death. This was particularly striking in the United States, when a large number of cats and dogs died of kidney failure after ingesting pet food intentionally adulterated with melamine and derivatives. A manuscript presenting the results of the study has recently been accepted for publication in Toxicological Sciences.

For additional information, please contact Fredrick Beland, Ph.D., Director, Division of Biochemical Toxicology, FDA/NCTR.
NCTR Publications > NCTR Research Highlights