New Zealand, world's largest dairy exporter, tightens quality control on baby formula
New Zealand announced a wide-ranging review of its infant formula regulations Thursday, saying it wanted to protect its reputation as demand for the product booms in markets such as China.
Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye said the review was a proactive measure to strengthen confidence in an export commodity now worth NZ$600 million (US$470 million) annually to New Zealand, with China accounting for about one-third of the market.
“Export assurances are particularly important for infant formula exports where consumers have strong concerns about food safety, quality and product integrity,” she said in a statement.
The Infant Nutrition Council, an industry body which earlier this month warned that “inexperienced” companies were risking New Zealand brands by making misleading marketing, welcomed the move.
“For consumers to have confidence in the safety of the product and New Zealand’s reputation they must be aware of the tight rules that the government has in place around its manufacture and marketing,” it said.
China’s growing economic prosperity has helped fuel demand for infant formula, with many parents suspicious of the local product after a series of food scandals.