Melamine is an organic base with the chemical formula C₃H₆N₆. It is commonly used to produce melamine resin, a very durable thermosetting plastic, and of melamine foam, a polymeric cleaning product.

On 30 March 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration reported finding white granular melamine in the pet food, in samples of white granular wheat gluten imported from China; as well as in crystalline form in the kidneys and in urine of affected animals.

The practice of adding "melamine scrap" to animal feed is reported to be widespread in China in order to give the appearance of increased protein content in animal feed.