Panel to study milk powder supply

A committee has been formed to review the supply of infant formula in an effort to stop shortages - a move that could lead to the lifting of the two-tin limit for departing travellers.

Announcing this yesterday, the Food and Health Bureau said the controversial curb might be removed if the 14-member panel came up with "effective and sustainable measures" to ensure local supply.

The limit, imposed on March 31 after mainland traders buying milk powder for sale in Shenzhen were blamed for shortages here, has been criticised for damaging the city's free-market reputation.

"The supply chain failure in relation to powdered formula had a major bearing on the serious shortage of powdered formula early this year," a department spokesman said. "We therefore consider that suppliers of powdered formula must step up their efforts to improve the supply chain management."

The panel, chaired by Retail Management Association chairwoman Caroline Mak Sui-king, includes representatives of milk powder suppliers such as Mead Johnson and Friso that supply about 60 per cent of the local market. Other members include General Chamber of Pharmacy chairman Lau Oi-kwok and Consumer Council chief executive Gilly Wong Fung-han. Two parents and several scholars and field representatives in marketing and logistics complete the list.

Lau said the panel would hold its first meeting tomorrow.