Following recent allegations about the use of melamine in nitrogen fertilizers in the international media, the International Fertilizer Industry Association (IFA) conducted a worldwide survey among its urea producing members (nitrogen-based fertilizer) to investigate whether there is hard evidence of such possible use in the international fertilizer industry.
IFA’s membership survey covered 98% of the world’s urea production. 80 companies in 50 countries were contacted in late November 2008. The 30 companies that replied confirmed not having any knowledge about the current use of melamine in commodity fertilizers. The response results equated to 84% of the world production of urea.
IFA ascertains that, to the best of its knowledge, melamine is not currently used voluntarily, legally or commercially in commodity fertilizers nor as a mainstream fertilizer product in any country covered.
IFA believes that much confusion on this issue stems from the fact that urea is a raw material used in the production of melamine and that melamine has been quoted in a few patent submissions. In addition, several companies manufacture both urea and melamine at the same production sites.
The allegations made previously in the media were not backed by the extensive survey conducted by IFA nor by any evidence of a widespread use of melamine in fertilizers.
The fertilizer industry is committed to the highest degree of quality in its products and promotes product stewardship.
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