UPDATE 3-U.S. finds trace of melamine in baby formula

(Adds statement from Mead Johnson Nutritionals)

By Susan Heavey

WASHINGTON, Nov 25 (Reuters) - U.S. health officials have found trace amounts of the chemical melamine in one sample of infant formula sold in the United States, a Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

"There's no basis for concern because we're talking about trace levels that are so low ... that there's absolutely no risk," FDA spokeswoman Judy Leon said.

Melamine-tainted formula was found earlier this year in China, where thousands of children fell ill and several died. In September, the FDA sought to assure parents and said there was no similar contamination threat in the United States.

The chemical, normally used to make plastics, has been found in milk power, wheat gluten and other Chinese-made ingredients used in products ranging from pet food to candy.

Melamine's ability to make foods appear to have higher amounts of protein during testing has made it a cheap but dangerous substitute that can damage the kidneys.

But Leon said that was not the case with the U.S. infant formula, which in September was determined not to be made with any Chinese ingredients.

The new results "are most likely a result of the manufacturing process or what comes into contact with formula in cans. It's not adulteration and it's not contamination," she said.

Leon declined to name the manufacturer of the sample found to contain melamine. U.S.-approved makers include Abbott Nutrition (ABT.N), Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY.N) unit Mead Johnson Nutritionals and Nestle USA (NESN.VX).

Industry trade group the International Formula Council sought to reassure consumers.

"Infant formula manufactured in the United States remains safe and nutritious," the group said in a statement. "U.S. infant formula products meet the highest standards and specifications."

Mead Johnson Nutritionals, the maker of Enfamil baby formula, said that by testing samples of its products and raw materials using published FDA methodology, it had not detected any level of melamine.

"We maintain stringent standards at all our manufacturing sites to ensure the high quality and safety of our products," Mead Johnson spokesman Pete Paradossi said.

'OUT OF STEP'

Leon said the FDA has deployed more sensitive tests in recent weeks as it has expended tests for melamine in all food products, including infant formula.