Stocks of infant formula low ahead of National Day holiday rush

Retailers are hoarding baby formula ahead of next week's National Day holiday in anticipation of a mainland rush and a government stocktake to determine whether to lift limits on exports.

Many stores told the South China Morning Post yesterday they did not have several popular brands, while some admitted they were reserving supplies for the National Day holiday rush that starts on Tuesday.

Retailers are keen that they are seen to have enough stock as Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man has promised to scrap the two-tin limit imposed on outbound travellers if it is found there is enough for the local market.

When asked how the government would assess the supply when some retailers might be hoarding stock, Ko said the review would be thorough.

"We will take into consideration how the supplier and retailer handle the situation before and after the holiday," he said yesterday.

The two-tin limit was imposed in March after a severe shortage over Lunar New Year. At that time, mainland parallel traders had cleared the shelves of products that they then sold on at higher prices on the mainland.

Supplies reportedly returned to normal after the limits were imposed.