Trace Detection of Melamine in Dairy Products

This technical report outlines the detection of melamine in dairy products using the Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer). Melamine, an industrial chemical, has been illicitly added to milk to enhance protein content, leading to serious health issues, including kidney damage in children. The report details the development of a standard SERS reference spectrum for melamine and the methodology for testing dairy products spiked with melamine. It describes the experimental setup, including the use of Ag P-SERS strips for analysis, and presents results demonstrating reliable detection of melamine at concentrations as low as 5 μg/mL. The report concludes with a field test protocol for on-site detection of melamine, emphasizing the rapid and cost-effective capabilities of the Misa system for identifying food contaminants. The document serves as a guide for implementing melamine detection in various dairy products to ensure consumer safety.