Hongkongers appeal to US over baby formula shortage
A petition, created on the White House website's "We the People" section, had more than 5,000 signatures on Thursday morning. "Local parents in Hong Kong can hardly buy baby formula milk powder in drugstores and supermarkets, as smugglers from mainland China storm to this tiny city to buy milk powder and resell it for huge profits in China," it reads.
Hongkongers are appealing for help from US President Barack Obama as infant formula supplies continue to run low despite the government having pledged to guarantee supply.
"Local parents in Hong Kong can hardly buy baby formula milk powder in drugstores and supermarkets, as smugglers from mainland China storm to this tiny city to buy milk powder and resell it for huge profits in China," it reads. "We request international support and assistance as babies in Hong Kong will face malnutrition very soon."
A minimum 100,000 signatures are necessary before a February 28 deadline to trigger a response from the White House. The appeal comes just days ahead of an expected government announcement of measures to deal with the shortage.
Speaking on RTHK yesterday, Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man said the government was studying the feasibility of making baby formula a reserved commodity like rice. That would curb trading by mainlanders, who are blamed for the shortage and inflated prices.
"In two or three days, the government may be able to announce some new measures. We are now discussing the details," Ko said.