Press Releases

SFH on supply of powdered formula

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after attending a radio programme this morning (December 14):

Reporter: (On lifting of the restriction on the export of powdered formula)

Secretary for Food and Health: The Government has, through a consultant, conducted a stress test during (the period before and after) the Golden Week around the National Day holiday (in early October) to test the integrity of the supply chain of the local formula milk as well as its ability to withstand fluctuations in market demand, especially during the peak period. The consultant has furnished a report to the Government and the Government has tabled the report to the Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene. We have explained to the Panel that basing on the findings of the consultant on the stress test, we have taken the view that the various improvement measures adopted by the suppliers and retailers have not at this stage satisfactorily addressed the problem or loopholes in the supply chain (of powdered formula) and made us have full confidence to lift the export restriction. Therefore, the Government has decided not to lift the export restriction for the time being.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Saturday, December 14, 2013
Issued at HKT 13:17

NNNN