China Lowers Dairy Protein Levels

China has lowered protein levels in raw milk to discourage farmers from adding melamine to bolster protein-test readings, according to health ministry officials.

The new level has been lowered to 2.8% from the previous standard of 2.95%, the officials said.

Heilongjiang Dairy Association secretary general Wu Heping said the new standard is more realistic, in part because many dairy cows are fed with low-quality feed that leads to low protein levels.

China has also set a minimum level of the chemical in baby milk powder at 1mg/kg and 2.5mg/kg for other food products.

Melamine’s high nitrogen content makes protein levels appear higher when added to milk or animal feed.