HK to regulate labels on baby formula after iodine warning

An industry code regulating nutrition labelling on baby milk formula is expected to be launched at the end of the year, the health minister said.

Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man said the move would serve as a stopgap until legislation can be brought in.

It follows the government's warning last week that three Japanese brands of infant formula were found to be low in iodine content and should not be given to babies because of a risk of thyroid and brain damage. The results of medical tests on 98 babies who had been fed the formulas revealed yesterday that one may have a thyroid problem, although it appeared unrelated to diet.

"We will work on legislation as soon as possible for labelling and nutrition-level requirements," Ko said in a radio interview yesterday. "Though legislation would be a long process, these elements will be included in an industry code."

The draft code was almost ready for consultation, Ko said, adding he hoped it would be launched towards the end of the year. He said industry codes to regulate advertisements for baby formula and promote breast-feeding would also be drafted.

Checks by the South China Morning Post found at least seven popular brands of infant formula have exaggerated nutrient levels on their labels. Food-labelling laws, introduced in 2010, exempt baby formula.