Which synthetic chemical was added to milk and infant formula and is used as a flame retardant and polymer in utensils?

• A. Aflatoxin
• B. Lactose
• C. Melamine
• D. Casein

Answer: (C)

Melamine is the synthetic chemical described. It was added to milk and infant formula to falsely boost reported protein content because many tests estimate protein by nitrogen content, and melamine has a high nitrogen amount. It’s also used to make melamine-formaldehyde resins, which are common in tableware and kitchen utensils, and it serves as a flame retardant in some plastics. This explains why the question links dairy adulteration with its industrial uses. Ingesting melamine can cause kidney damage, especially in infants, making this adulteration a serious safety issue. Aflatoxin is a mold toxin, lactose is a natural sugar, and casein is a real milk protein, so they don’t fit the description.