Lately, it seems like melamine contamination has been in the headlines more than celebrities. But the government has publically assured the American people that measures are now being taken by both the United States and China to eliminate the contaminant’s presence in our food. In response to the recent melamine discoveries, the United States will hold Chinese imports containing milk until tests prove they have not been contaminated with melamine.

Remember, melamine is a chemical added to products to increase the test results for nitrogen content so that, when tested, the food appears to have adequate or high levels of protein. Melamine was first detected in pet food in 2007, and more recently, it was found in infant formula after more than 50,000 Chinese infants were sickened. In just the past few days, melamine traces have been found in infant formula in the U.S., although the FDA says that the trace amounts found are too small to cause concern for risk and that it does not recommend switching infant formulas. Traces of melamine have also been found in milk, eggs and fish food, prompting the FDA to issue an alert. As a result, Chinese products containing milk or milk powder will be stopped at our borders and held until the manufacturer or importer has proven the product is free of contamination.

While the U.S. imports less than 1 percent of its dairy products from China, that country is one of the leading producers of protein shakes and powders, as well as dietary supplements -- many of which are made with powdered milk.

Steps are being taken by both the United States and China to improve the food safety and inspection process for imports. Recently, the FDA announced the opening of three offices in China, located in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai. These offices, the first FDA offices located outside the U.S., will attempt to regulate American-bound food from the source by pre-certifying and inspecting the products from Chinese manufacturers. Additionally, the FDA offices will attempt to identify in-country laboratories that can be trained and trusted to certify shipments to the United States.

The Chinese government is also calling for action to improve their food safety measures. Recently, the government announced that new food safety standards for the dairy and agriculture industry will be issued next October, ultimately aiming to create a mass-producing, high quality dairy industry.

This is not the first time the Chinese government has attempted to clean up their agriculture and dairy industry. While melamine was banned as an animal feed additive by the Chinese government immediately following the pet food scare in 2007, it was recently discovered that many manufacturers were still producing and using the substance in animal feed and products for human consumption.

Access issues regarding safety disputes with Chinese food and drug suppliers and manufacturers have also been a problem for U.S. inspectors. However, according to the U.S. Secretary of Health, this is slowly improving.

Hopefully, by establishing an international presence, the FDA will be even more effective in regulating imported goods from China -- and also help increase information shared between suppliers and manufacturers -- benefiting both American and Chinese consumers.