Review of analytical techniques used in proficiency-testing programs for melamine in animal feed and milk

Although various analytical techniques for the determination of melamine in animal feed and milk have been developed recently, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (MS), liquid chromatography with tandem MS, and liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection have been predominantly used in proficiency testing (PT) by laboratories worldwide. This article discusses the general performance of these four techniques for melamine analysis in food and feed samples on the basis of the results from two international PT programs organized in 2009.