Press Releases

SFH speaks on export control of powdered formula

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, at a media session after attending radio phone-in programmes today (October 17):

Reporter: Professor Chan, the Government is going to review the export control of milk formula. Why is it a suitable time to do it now and does it mean that the Government may want to relax it ...?

Secretary for Food and Health: I think when the export control of powdered formula was enacted a few years ago, it was already said that it was not a long-term solution. The most important thing is the supply of powdered formula, not only the general supply but also how mothers can purchase powdered formula in a timely manner. Therefore, we have always been looking into the supply and also the purchasing behaviour of mothers and whether they can get powdered formula in a timely manner. I think it is regular evaluation. Because it is a short-term measure, by looking at some of the figures, we felt that it was time for us to look into more details about the evaluation of the supply. We do not have any preconceived position of whether to lift the legislation or not. But it is important for us to look into the matter and gather enough information. Of course, we reckon that there are different opinions coming from different stakeholders about this evaluation. We will also take into consideration all the comments provided by different sectors and stakeholders before we make a final decision.

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

Ends/Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Issued at HKT 12:18
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