Milk powder supplies still not meeting needs

Shortages of infant milk powder are still plaguing many areas of the city a year after an export limit was introduced, with popular brands unavailable in 90 per cent of stores in some districts, according to a watchdog's report.

The Consumer Council canvassed 137 shops in 10 districts to document a shortage of the four more popular brands.

And while a fall in the number of complaints about shortages and inflated prices since a two-can export limit came into force in March last year could be seen as an improvement, the council's chief executive Gilly Wong Fung-han said the Lunar New Year holiday could once again bring serious shortages.

"The export limitation is still necessary at this stage, but the root of the problem is about supply," said Wong. "We have been in talks with infant formula suppliers, urging them to be consistent in their supply and to replenish supplies as soon as possible."

Wong said the reduction in complaints could be due to local parents having adjusted their expectations and being more prepared for possible shortages during the holiday season.

Mead Johnson was the brand with most shortages - being unavailable in 93 per cent of the canvassed shops in Sheung Shui, 83 per cent in Hung Hom and 78 per cent in North Point, the study, conducted this month, revealed.