Melamine is a chemical compound that has a number of industrial uses, including the production of laminates, glues, dinnerware, adhesives, molding compounds, coatings and flame retardants. Melamine is a name used both for the chemical and for the plastic made from it.
There are no approved direct food uses for melamine, nor are there any recommendations in the Codex Alimentarius. Melamine has been illegally added to inflate the apparent protein content of food or feed products which has led to health problems.