No plan to lift two-can milk formula limit at the border, says Hong Kong health minister
Minister refutes calls to end ban on taking more than two cans of infant formula across border, citing a lack of confidence in supply chain
Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man reassured parents that the restriction would stay in place, after the lawmaker representing the retail sector again called for the ban to be lifted earlier yesterday, saying another widespread shortage of the product was unlikely.
The ban was introduced in 2013 amid a shortage in milk powder for local parents, as traders snapped up supplies for resale across the border.
"The restriction can only be removed when we have sufficient confidence the supply chain can function and ensure an adequate supply of formula milk powder for our local babies," Ko said.
"We still see a shortage of a few popular brands, and in the past few days we have noticed the reaction of some parents who are worried what we saw in 2013 will reappear once the ban is lifted."
Asked whether the government would consider relaxing the limit or if a timetable would be set to do so, Ko said the government still needed to work with suppliers to ensure a stable supply.