Government goes for faster formula to tighten control of milk powder
By amending subsidiary legislation under the Import and Export Ordinance, the government will set the maximum amount of formula a person can take out of Hong Kong at two cans.
The government has opted for the quicker of two legal options to tighten control over the supply of milk formula.
This is a different approach from one suggested earlier by lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, who wanted to see milk formula added to the Reserved Commodities Ordinance along with rice.
This would restrict its import and export but would also require registered stockholders to keep a reserve of milk formula at all times.
"It would empower the government to control the entire supply chain," Ip said, adding that it would be a more complicated process and a less speedy option.
Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades president Simon Wong Ka-wo said amending the export regulations was a more straightforward approach.