https://www.scmp.com/rss/293137/feed Baby, or infant, formula is a manufactured food for babies often used as a substitute for breast milk. It is a powder or liquid concentrate that is mixed with water and fed through a bottle. It is widely used in Asia, which represents 53% of the global market share. In Hong Kong, a shortage in availability of baby formula led to restrictions on how much could be taken out of the city and into mainland China. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Hei Kiu Au Hei Kiu Au In a corner of Hong Kong’s Tsuen Wan Market, a bustling indoor market where the floor is permanently damp and the air smells of wet fabric and drying fish, a sign reads Fu Kam Organic Farm. Below it, a cluster of grapes hangs from a metal pole – plump, luminous and impossibly glossy. There is no premium packaging, no branded box, no chilled display case, just bunches of shine muscat – the darling of Japanese fruit fanatics – and the woman who grew them. “Come buy our local, organic shine muscat... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3345345/shine-muscat-grapes-grown-hong-kong-farmer-doing-it-using-baby-milk-formula?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3345345/shine-muscat-grapes-grown-hong-kong-farmer-doing-it-using-baby-milk-formula?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:15:07 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing A one-year-old girl may have suffered food poisoning after consuming Nestlé infant milk formula, Hong Kong authorities have said, while revealing they have received about 50 reports of children feeling unwell amid a growing contamination scare. The Centre for Food Safety separately ordered the immediate removal of 390 cans of Aptamil Profutura DUO Advance 1 (800g) from shelves, as officials expanded a citywide recall to include a second batch of the milk powder imported from Germany. The Centre... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342731/hong-kong-toddler-suspected-have-fallen-ill-tainted-milk-formula?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342731/hong-kong-toddler-suspected-have-fallen-ill-tainted-milk-formula?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:25:08 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s food safety watchdog has recalled a batch of Aptamil powdered infant milk formula over fears it may be contaminated with a toxin found in similar products. The Centre for Food Safety said on Tuesday evening that a local retailer had sold “a small quantity” of a batch suspected to contain cereulide, prompting a precautionary recall. The affected product is Aptamil Profutura DUO Pre D 800g, with a use-by date of April 20, 2027. The watchdog said it had earlier learned that German... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342336/hong-kong-recalls-aptamil-baby-milk-formula-batch-over-toxin-contamination-fears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342336/hong-kong-recalls-aptamil-baby-milk-formula-batch-over-toxin-contamination-fears?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:18:11 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong authorities have found traces of a toxin in another five samples of Nestlé baby milk formula, marking the second such discovery since batches of the firm’s products were withdrawn over contamination fears. The Centre for Food Safety said on Monday night that during its ongoing follow-up investigations, five samples among 22 batches recalled earlier tested positive for the toxin cereulide, produced by the Bacillus cereus bacterium. The toxin levels ranged from 0.2 to 1.3 micrograms per... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342152/traces-toxin-found-more-nestle-baby-milk-formula-samples-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342152/traces-toxin-found-more-nestle-baby-milk-formula-samples-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:02:04 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong authorities have discovered traces of a toxin in four batches of baby milk formula products previously recalled by Nestlé. In a statement issued on Saturday evening, the Centre for Food Safety said the Swiss food giant had recalled about 96,000 tins of affected products due to the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, found in the ingredients. The centre had issued a warning in early January when the Swiss food giant’s Hong Kong unit began recalling 21... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3341139/hong-kong-authorities-find-toxins-4-batches-milk-formula-recalled-nestle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3341139/hong-kong-authorities-find-toxins-4-batches-milk-formula-recalled-nestle?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jan 2026 03:49:46 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Powdered whole milk used to make ByHeart infant formula could be a source of contamination that led to an outbreak of botulism that has sickened dozens of babies, according to US health officials. Testing by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found the type of bacteria that could cause the illness in two samples linked to the formula, officials said on Friday. The agency found that bacteria in an unopened tin of formula matched a sample from a sick baby. It also matched contamination... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3341080/contaminated-milk-powder-likely-source-byheart-baby-formula-botulism-outbreak-fda?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3341080/contaminated-milk-powder-likely-source-byheart-baby-formula-botulism-outbreak-fda?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Jan 2026 01:10:49 +0000 Ushar Daniele Ushar Daniele When Nestle began pulling its baby milk formula off shelves last month over fears of contamination with a dangerous toxin, Malaysian father Mukhriz Hazim felt his trust in the world’s largest food company begin to falter. Since news of the contamination scare first emerged primarily in Europe in December before spreading across the world, the 33-year-old father has taken to scouring the ingredients list on every formula box with almost forensic precision. “If big nutrition companies are selling... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3339603/nestle-formula-recall-rattles-malaysian-parents-who-are-we-going-trust?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3339603/nestle-formula-recall-rattles-malaysian-parents-who-are-we-going-trust?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jan 2026 03:00:12 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Nestlé Hong Kong has recalled another batch of baby milk formula over fears of potential bacterial contamination, while the latest government tests found no toxins in the brand’s products currently on sale locally. A spokeswoman for Nestlé Hong Kong said on Saturday that the company had added a batch of formula with a best-before date of June 16, 2027, to its recall list first released on Tuesday over cereulide, a toxin derived from the microorganism Bacillus cereus. “The batch only had a small... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339458/nestle-hong-kong-recalls-another-baby-milk-formula-batch-test-samples-clear?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339458/nestle-hong-kong-recalls-another-baby-milk-formula-batch-test-samples-clear?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Jan 2026 15:29:29 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Susan Su Lo Hoi-ying,Susan Su Hong Kong pharmacies started pulling batches of Nestle baby milk formula from their shelves on Wednesday after a recall by the manufacturer over potential contamination, prompting frantic searches by thousands of mothers for alternative products. Nestle Hong Kong apologised to parents for any distress or inconvenience caused, saying that it had not received any reports of illness or discomfort related to the products to date. Hong Kong food safety authorities said on Tuesday that Nestle had... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3339031/hong-kong-pharmacies-pull-nestle-baby-milk-formula-amid-recall-over-toxin-risk?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3339031/hong-kong-pharmacies-pull-nestle-baby-milk-formula-amid-recall-over-toxin-risk?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Jan 2026 08:23:43 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s first breast milk bank, which provides for newborns requiring intensive care at public hospitals, has collected more than 300 litres (79.3 gallons) from over 100 donors since launching in January. Director Dr Rosanna Wong Ming-sum of the Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank said on Sunday donor numbers were “beyond expectations”, but appealed for more for what she called the “gift of life.” The bank has started distributing donated milk to newborns at all nine of the Hospital Authority’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3303511/gift-life-hong-kong-breast-milk-bank-collects-over-300-litres-premature-babies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3303511/gift-life-hong-kong-breast-milk-bank-collects-over-300-litres-premature-babies?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Mar 2025 08:09:24 +0000 Xinyi Wu Xinyi Wu In a small Shanghai supermarket recently, customers were surprised to see more options for adult diapers than what was available on shelves for babies. A few aisles away, in the section for milk formula, they noticed a similar trend – more choices for adults than for infants. “High calcium and low fat milk powder is particularly popular,” a store assistant said. “There are quite a few people buying adult milk powder now.” China’s leaders and its business community face significant challenges as... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3276974/chinese-companies-seek-gold-silver-economy-population-greys?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3276974/chinese-companies-seek-gold-silver-economy-population-greys?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Sep 2024 23:30:07 +0000 For years, my friend Viola and I have been regularly swapping healthy recipes. Whenever one of us discovers new literature focused on health, such as the recent book Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Dr Peter Attia, or new science about longevity or some healthy ingredients in the supermarket, we immediately tell each other. We have learned that replacing food high in saturated fats, such as bacon, with salmon, or replacing saturated fats like lard with olive oil, lowers the chances of... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3270687/without-better-food-safety-being-health-conscious-china-lost-cause?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3270687/without-better-food-safety-being-health-conscious-china-lost-cause?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Jul 2024 01:30:08 +0000 Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to help ensure babies get a healthy start and even have better chances of survival. Starting and sticking with the routine can be a difficult journey for mothers even in the best of circumstances. The challenges are often insurmountable when infants are premature or severely ill. So, it was encouraging to learn that Hong Kong will launch its first breast milk bank by the first quarter of next year. The operation is being set up to collect between... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3264070/hong-kong-breast-milk-bank-best-everyone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3264070/hong-kong-breast-milk-bank-best-everyone?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 May 2024 22:30:09 +0000 Aisyah Llewellyn Aisyah Llewellyn Malaysian beauty consumer Farhana* was planning to buy some new skincare products when she finally settled on Skintific, a brand widely marketed in Malaysia and Indonesia. “It is quite a big phenomenon here,” the Kuala Lumpur resident told This Week in Asia. “It is widely marketed here, using celebrity ambassadors, and is already sold in Malaysian drug stores.” But Farhana ended up not buying the product after she found out that Skintific goods were made in China, prompting her to doubt if they... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3261396/are-chinese-made-skincare-brands-downplaying-their-origins-appeal-southeast-asians?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3261396/are-chinese-made-skincare-brands-downplaying-their-origins-appeal-southeast-asians?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 May 2024 06:00:29 +0000 The power of the daigou, personal shoppers for Chinese consumers, was on full display in a recent class-action lawsuit launched against the a2 Milk company, one of New Zealand’s biggest milk exporters. Disgruntled shareholders sued the listed company after its share price sank heavily in 2020, claiming it had misled them about the loss of daigou sales. The daigou game: how China’s professional shoppers operate For a2 and other exporters of baby milk formula, daigou play a key role in helping... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3260563/daigou-were-once-make-or-break-australian-brands-china-where-are-they-now?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3260563/daigou-were-once-make-or-break-australian-brands-china-where-are-they-now?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Apr 2024 04:00:17 +0000 The second day after I gave birth, in February, I woke up in hospital to find my breasts as hard as rocks. I could hardly move my arms or get out of bed, because every movement jolted a muscle around my chest, resulting in excruciating pain. I had to shout for help. The hospital sent in a masseur. Two sweaty hours later, I regained myself somewhat. It is a natural process immediately after birth, when your body notices the changes and your breasts fill with milk – in my case, by so much that... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3241535/china-wants-raise-its-birth-rate-has-missed-new-mothers-every-need?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3241535/china-wants-raise-its-birth-rate-has-missed-new-mothers-every-need?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:30:21 +0000 Every year, in the first week of August, people in more than 120 countries join the global movement to raise public awareness and support for breastfeeding. This can seem strange when women have been breastfeeding for centuries. Only after I became a mum last year did I realise how hard it is to commit to breastfeeding, especially in fast-paced cities like Hong Kong. As the theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is to make a difference for working parents, let’s talk about how to make... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3229115/hong-kong-must-do-much-more-so-working-mums-can-keep-breastfeeding?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3229115/hong-kong-must-do-much-more-so-working-mums-can-keep-breastfeeding?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Jul 2023 22:15:10 +0000 New beginnings are in order and worth celebrating for 2023. I hate to break it to all of us, but there’s much to do and a lot of hardship to overcome before we can usher in the new normal. We know this because the last three years have given us anything but what we’ve planned. After a thousand days of having to cancel school, celebrations and flights, we’ve surely learned to live with uncertainty and tempered expectations. As soon as we settle into a new routine, changes are abruptly thrown at... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3205088/amid-reopening-dont-let-old-mainland-frictions-haunt-hong-kongs-new-normal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3205088/amid-reopening-dont-let-old-mainland-frictions-haunt-hong-kongs-new-normal?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Jan 2023 00:15:15 +0000 A food company based in China’s far west is under investigation after unauthorised additives were found in some of its dairy products. China’s State Administration for Market Regulation said on Sunday that the solvent propylene glycol was found in two batches of milk produced by Xinjiang-based Maiquer Group. “The State Administration for Market Regulation requires the Xinjiang Administration for Market Regulation to investigate the illegal facts of the Maiquer Group as soon as possible, strictly... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3183964/chinese-food-firm-maiquer-under-investigation-over-milk?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3183964/chinese-food-firm-maiquer-under-investigation-over-milk?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Jul 2022 11:05:14 +0000 A first air shipment of baby milk formula will be delivered to the US on Sunday under an emergency programme authorised by President Joe Biden to address a national shortage that has parents struggling to meet the needs of their newborns. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will travel to Indianapolis to greet the arrival of 132 pallets of Nestlé Health Science Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formula, the US Department of Agriculture said in a statement. While manufacturers say the pandemic... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3178669/us-baby-milk-formula-airlift-due-begin-flight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3178669/us-baby-milk-formula-airlift-due-begin-flight?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 May 2022 23:06:21 +0000 As an America’s nationwide baby milk formula shortage sends parents into crisis mode, social media posts containing dangerous misinformation about home-made formula recipes have gone viral online, racking up millions of views. Although major platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and YouTube have taken steps to label photos, videos and posts with contextual information pointing out the harms of such recipes, and in some cases removed them, they have done so inconsistently, allowing the advice to... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3178665/dangerous-diy-baby-milk-formula-recipes-us-go-viral?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3178665/dangerous-diy-baby-milk-formula-recipes-us-go-viral?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 May 2022 18:18:02 +0000 President Biden on Saturday signed legislation to support Ukraine with an additional US$40 billion in assistance as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month. The legislation, which was passed by Congress with bipartisan support, deepens the US commitment to Ukraine at a time of uncertainty about the war’s future. Ukraine has successfully defended Kyiv, and Russia has refocused its offensive on the country’s east, but American officials warn of the potential for a prolonged conflict. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3178650/ukraine-war-biden-signs-us40-billion-bill-ukraine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3178650/ukraine-war-biden-signs-us40-billion-bill-ukraine?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 May 2022 13:15:02 +0000 The White House vowed to take action to boost supplies of baby milk formula as President Joe Biden was slammed by Republicans for crippling shortages nationwide. Last week, the average out-of-stock rate for baby milk formula was 43 per cent, according to Datasembly, which collected information from more than 11,000 retailers. The administration, already under fire over the highest inflation rate in decades, said it was considering increasing imports, as the United States relies on domestic... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3177585/americas-baby-milk-formula-shortage-new-headache?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3177585/americas-baby-milk-formula-shortage-new-headache?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 May 2022 03:24:03 +0000 A growing awareness among Chinese consumers about the health and wellness benefits from drinking milk helped imports hit two “major milestones in 2020”, as the trade avoided coronavirus-related headwinds and political risks. Chinese appetite for milk has historically been low due to a genetic lactose intolerance, but last year in China, the average consumer drank nearly 30kg (66lbs) of milk, five times the 6kg (13lbs) downed in 2012, according to research firm Daxue Consulting. Both exporters... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3123344/chinas-health-conscious-consumers-push-liquid-milk-imports?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3123344/chinas-health-conscious-consumers-push-liquid-milk-imports?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Feb 2021 21:30:08 +0000 An antibacterial baby lotion sold in China has been pulled off the shelves and its producer’s facilities shut down after a five-month-old on whom it was used grew a protruding forehead and cheeks covered in hair and saw her weight balloon. Tests showed a high concentration of a potent steroid had been illegally added to the product. The girl’s distraught parents said that after using the antibacterial cream, Yifuling, on their daughter they had watched her weight balloon to 11kg (24 pounds),... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/social-welfare/article/3117917/steroid-cream-gives-chinese-baby-hairy-cheeks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/social-welfare/article/3117917/steroid-cream-gives-chinese-baby-hairy-cheeks?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Jan 2021 20:15:08 +0000 A company stands accused of illegally adding hormones to baby lotion that caused a five-month-old girl to grow so big, so quickly, that she faced serious health concerns. After using the anti-bacterial lotion named Yifuling on their daughter to treat her eczema, the girl’s parents were alarmed to see their daughter rapidly balloon to 24 pounds. With cheeks so heavy they hung past her jawline, the baby girl’s forehead protruded abnormally and became covered in hair. They said she had also... https://www.scmp.com/health/investigation-chinese-infant-skin-cream-after-it-caused-extreme-weight-gain/article/3117919?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/health/investigation-chinese-infant-skin-cream-after-it-caused-extreme-weight-gain/article/3117919?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Jan 2021 10:48:40 +0000 OrgHive, a Shanghai-based start-up, is aiming to tackle a lack of transparency in China’s organic food market by allowing consumers to easily access and verify data behind certified goods and simultaneously help companies tap into growing demand for better quality consumer products. Backed by Hong Kong-based digital marketing solutions provider Integrated Management Systems (IMS), OrgHive, in April, launched a blockchain driven consumer community platform – portal.orghive.cn – to help companies... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3116235/chinese-start-orghive-helps-consumers-put-their-trust-mainlands?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3116235/chinese-start-orghive-helps-consumers-put-their-trust-mainlands?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Jan 2021 07:11:24 +0000 China Feihe, whose baby milk formula is endorsed by film star Zhang Ziyi, has offered HK$3.07 billion (US$398.68 million) to take over its supplier YuanShengTai Dairy Farm, according to a joint stock exchange filing on Sunday. The deal marks the biggest expansion move by the Beijing-based Feihe, whose name means the “flying crane” in Chinese, since its listing in Hong Kong in November last year when it raised HK$6.7 billion (US$856 million). Through the takeover, Feihe “will be able to secure... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3100449/baby-milk-formula-giant-china-feihe-endorsed-film-star-zhang?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3100449/baby-milk-formula-giant-china-feihe-endorsed-film-star-zhang?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Sep 2020 13:24:22 +0000 Some manufacturers of baby milk formula sold in Hong Kong had overstated the nutritional contents of their products, the city’s consumer watchdog warned on Monday. The Consumer Council said six of 15 types of pre-packaged products reviewed had discrepancies exceeding local food labelling guidelines. The council has sent its findings to the Centre for Food Safety, the agency in charge of enforcing food regulations. “Being provided with accurate nutritional information is a basic right of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3097682/nutritional-contents-some-baby-milk-formulas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3097682/nutritional-contents-some-baby-milk-formulas?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Aug 2020 09:26:58 +0000 A doctor in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong has been sacked for recommending protein drinks for babies. According to a statement released on Saturday by Huizhou city in the southeast of the province, a doctor surnamed Chen was removed from the city’s No 2 Maternity and Childcare Hospital due to misconduct. Chen, 40, was found to have recommended an over-the-counter protein drink as an alternative to formula milk to 43 babies who were allergic to normal milk. The authorities started... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3096655/chinese-doctor-fired-telling-parents-give-babies-protein-drink?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3096655/chinese-doctor-fired-telling-parents-give-babies-protein-drink?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Aug 2020 12:00:16 +0000 The coronavirus outbreak has spurred a new demand in China for protein milk powder from Australia and New Zealand, but experts are concerned there is new danger in its use as a supplement for infants. Chinese demand for lactoferrin and whey products has increased dramatically since the outbreak began, with consumers hoping the immunity boosting qualities can help both adults and children fight off the deadly virus. Exploding demand and the claims of the “powers” of lactoferrin and whey protein... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3089650/china-protein-milk-powder-imports-australia-new-zealand-jump?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3089650/china-protein-milk-powder-imports-australia-new-zealand-jump?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Jun 2020 22:45:13 +0000 Authorities in the central Chinese province of Hunan are investigating a baby products shop after at least five infants developed swollen heads allegedly from drinking fake milk formula sold by the store. Officials in Yongxing county, Chenzhou, are investigating the alleged sale of a protein drink known as Bei An Min passed off as milk formula at an outlet of the chain Love Baby’s Workshop, according to news site Thepaper.cn. The parents of five children alerted the county’s market supervision... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3084271/china-investigates-claims-babies-sickened-fake-milk-formula?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3084271/china-investigates-claims-babies-sickened-fake-milk-formula?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2020 23:30:17 +0000 Fake baby milk formula, fish tainted with diesel and tofu made with sewage water – given the rampant product safety scandals in China that have swept headlines, it is no wonder Chinese consumers often distrust food and other consumables. This is made worse by the perception that Chinese consumer protection law has been slow to protect consumers’ rights. Changes to regulations in 2014 were the first major overhaul to the country’s consumer protection law in about two decades, requiring retailers... https://www.scmp.com/tech/blockchain/article/3052287/how-blockchain-can-protect-consumers-tainted-food-knock-offs-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/blockchain/article/3052287/how-blockchain-can-protect-consumers-tainted-food-knock-offs-and?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Feb 2020 22:00:10 +0000 Twelve years ago, 300,000 children in China were poisoned after drinking infant milk formula that contained melamine, a chemical used in plastic. Six babies were killed by the toxic substance, which was used by 22 companies to artificially boost the protein levels that showed up in nutrition tests. Those responsible were punished with sentences ranging from lengthy prison terms to the death penalty. Dubbed the ‘melamine scandal’, the tragedy rocked China’s baby milk formula industry. Many... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3051808/foreign-brands-still-dominate-parents-do-not-trust-chinas-home?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3051808/foreign-brands-still-dominate-parents-do-not-trust-chinas-home?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Feb 2020 00:00:10 +0000 China Feihe, the mainland’s largest domestic maker of baby milk formula, suspended trading of its shares before the market opened on Friday, a day after an independent research firm urged investors to avoid the stock as it may become the target of short-sellers. A report by Hong Kong-based GMT Research on Thursday warned investors that the company hadn’t paid a dividend in the five years prior to IPO despite being highly profitable, something it described as a “fraud-like trait”. China Feihe,... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3038951/chinese-baby-milk-maker-endorsed-film-star-zhang-ziyi-suspends?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3038951/chinese-baby-milk-maker-endorsed-film-star-zhang-ziyi-suspends?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Nov 2019 09:32:53 +0000 China Feihe Limited, maker of the nation’s best-selling infant milk formula, probably attracted close to HK$10 billion of orders from retail investors in what could be the third largest stock offering in Hong Kong this year, according to a survey of stockbrokers. The company offered 10 per cent of its global sale of 893.34 million shares to individual investors and 90 per cent through international placements. The offering could raise as much as HK$8.93 billion (US$1.14 billion) at the top end... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3036417/chinas-best-selling-baby-milk-maker-probably-gets-hk10-billion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3036417/chinas-best-selling-baby-milk-maker-probably-gets-hk10-billion?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Nov 2019 09:59:12 +0000 A megacity in south China has become the first in the country to pass a law promoting breastfeeding, which remains unpopular despite the myriad proven benefits of human milk. The law, passed in Guangzhou, requires public places such as train stations, museums and parks to set up dedicated lactation rooms, or face fines. Employers must provide breastfeeding mothers with a one-hour daily break to feed or pump. It also bans hospitals and medical institutions from taking money from or collaborating... https://www.scmp.com/health/guangzhou-first-chinese-city-pass-law-promoting-breastfeeding/article/3035561?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/health/guangzhou-first-chinese-city-pass-law-promoting-breastfeeding/article/3035561?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Oct 2019 11:12:07 +0000 An Australian baby milk formula company would not usually be considered a sensitive asset. But in a climate of concern in Western countries about Beijing’s intentions, the planned acquisition of Bellamy’s Organic by China Mengniu Dairy will be thoroughly scrutinised. The deal has to be taken up by the nation’s Foreign Investment Review Board as a matter of course; rules require that of companies linked to state-owned enterprises, as the Chinese firm is. There is great mistrust of China in... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3032253/nations-must-show-investment-sense?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3032253/nations-must-show-investment-sense?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Oct 2019 16:39:24 +0000 As new mothers know, successful breastfeeding can lead to an abundant supply of milk – which must be stored for a later date in the freezer. But as this milk gets closer to its expiry date – the US-based Mayo Clinic suggests it can last up to a year in the back of a deep freeze, but using it within six months is best – parents can be left wondering what to do with it. There is even a growing black market for breast milk as athletes and body builders scramble to get this “liquid gold” protein to... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3031377/oversupply-breast-milk-five-uses-it-milk-bath-feeding?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3031377/oversupply-breast-milk-five-uses-it-milk-bath-feeding?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Oct 2019 14:00:14 +0000 A Californian probiotics developer backed by tycoons Li Ka-shing and Bill Gates will launch a dietary product it claims can strengthen infants’ immune system in Hong Kong and Singapore on Tuesday. Evolve BioSystems said the product works by reintroducing a beneficial gut bacteria that is missing in today’s babies. Evivo, an activated form of the intestinal bacteria Bifidobacterium infantis, has been mixed with breast milk and fed to “tens of thousands” of babies in the United States since it was... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3008922/biotech-start-backed-li-ka-shing-and-bill-gates-launch-its?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3008922/biotech-start-backed-li-ka-shing-and-bill-gates-launch-its?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 May 2019 22:00:19 +0000 With parallel trading of baby milk formula across the border still rampant, the Hong Kong government has understandably decided to maintain the “two-tin cap” on outbound travellers to safeguard adequate supply for local consumption. But the underlying problems remain unresolved and are spilling to foreign countries. The restriction was never meant to be permanent when it was introduced in 2013 amid an outcry over widespread shortages of powdered formula, fuelled by an influx of mainland shoppers... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2188379/action-needed-put-lid-trade-baby-milk-formula?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2188379/action-needed-put-lid-trade-baby-milk-formula?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Mar 2019 14:47:00 +0000 A ban on people leaving Hong Kong with more than two tins of baby milk formula will remain indefinitely amid fears lifting it may cause repeat widespread shortages, the city’s health authority said. The Food and Health Bureau said parallel trading activities were persistent and relaxing the ban may trigger increased demand from the ever-rising number of mainland Chinese tourists. “We cannot rule out the possibility the powdered formula shortage, which disturbed local parents before the export... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/2187581/hong-kongs-two-tin-ban-baby-milk-formula-stay-amid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/2187581/hong-kongs-two-tin-ban-baby-milk-formula-stay-amid?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Feb 2019 09:04:36 +0000 Six people have been charged after authorities in Australia uncovered a multimillion-dollar crime syndicate stealing baby milk formula and vitamins from major retailers across Sydney for shipment to China. Four members of one family and two other men have been arrested and charged over the “organised criminal group” that New South Wales Police believe has operated for several years. The latest arrest was of a 31-year-old man on Saturday after he arrived at Sydney Airport on a flight from... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/2183000/australia-china-syndicate-busted-stealing-over-a1-million-baby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/2183000/australia-china-syndicate-busted-stealing-over-a1-million-baby?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Jan 2019 09:41:07 +0000 US President Donald Trump weighed in Monday to defend women’s “access” to formula milk, after an article accused the United States of seeking to torpedo a World Health Organisation resolution on breastfeeding. A weekend report in The New York Times stated that US delegates to a recent WHO meeting sought to delete from a resolution on infant nutrition language that urged member states to “protect, promote and support” breastfeeding. The United States reportedly pressured Ecuador to drop... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/2154576/breastfeeding-row-trump-says-poor-mothers-need-milk?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/2154576/breastfeeding-row-trump-says-poor-mothers-need-milk?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Jul 2018 05:12:46 +0000 The Hong Kong government was urged on Friday to tighten oversight of how baby milk formula is advertised after an overseas advocacy group accused Nestlé of unethical marketing tactics and manipulating customers around the world. The company’s supposedly misleading claims to Hong Kong consumers drew particular scrutiny in the report by Dutch organisation Changing Markets Foundation and Globalisation Monitor, which is based in the city. The foundation said Nestlé touted its formula as “closest... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2131802/calls-tighten-hong-kong-regulations-wake-nestle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2131802/calls-tighten-hong-kong-regulations-wake-nestle?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Feb 2018 14:04:31 +0000 The Swiss multinational Nestlé has been accused of violating ethical marketing codes and manipulating customers of its baby milk formulas around the world, with its supposedly misleading claims to Hong Kong consumers drawing particular scrutiny. A new report by the Changing Markets Foundation has found that Nestlé marketed its infant milk formulas as “closest to”, “inspired by” and “following the example of” human breast milk in several countries, despite a prohibition by the UN’s World Health... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/2131672/nestle-faces-fire-misleading-baby-milk-tactics-hong-kong-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/2131672/nestle-faces-fire-misleading-baby-milk-tactics-hong-kong-and?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Feb 2018 01:02:49 +0000 Fonterra Co-operative Group, New Zealand’s largest company and dairy exporter, said on Monday it was “extremely disappointed” after its China partner, Beingmate Baby and Child Food Company, widened its loss forecast for 2017 from the 350 million yuan (US$54.66 million) to 500 million yuan range to between 800 million yuan and 1 billion yuan. The company is the world’s largest dairy exporter by volume. It paid US$553 million for an 18. 8 per cent stake in Beingmate in 2015. “As an investor in... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/2130061/widening-loss-forecast-china-partner-beingmate-leaves-dairy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/2130061/widening-loss-forecast-china-partner-beingmate-leaves-dairy?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jan 2018 11:14:51 +0000 I refer to the report, “Salmonella fear prompts huge recall of baby milk”, (December 22). It is sad that once again we need a serious adverse event to bring home to us why, as far back as 2005, the World Health Organisation was asking for baby milk manufacturers to put on packages of their products a warning that powdered infant formula may contain pathogenic microorganisms and that the milk needs to be prepared appropriately. The Hong Kong Code of Marketing of Formula Milk and Related Products,... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/2126398/infant-formula-hong-kong-must-carry-important-information-packaging?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/2126398/infant-formula-hong-kong-must-carry-important-information-packaging?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Jan 2018 08:30:00 +0000 A spate of salmonella infections overseas continues to impact Hong Kong as the city’s health authorities on Thursday expanded a list of recalled baby milk products from dairy company Lactalis following the same action by their French counterparts. On Tuesday, the Centre for Food Safety issued its first warning for parents and traders not to use or sell batches of three products under the brand “Mon petit”: 1) “Inovital Infant milk from zero to six months (No 1)” (900 grams, with best before... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2124411/hong-kong-recalls-more-imported-baby-milk-products?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2124411/hong-kong-recalls-more-imported-baby-milk-products?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Dec 2017 02:38:49 +0000 A batch of baby milk powder was pulled from Hong Kong shelves on Friday, after the city’s food safety authorities found 66 per cent less niacin in it than stated on the label. The formula, made by Abbott, had only been sold in Hong Kong. The affected product is Similac Stage 2 in 400g tins, made in Ireland and best before March 11 next year. The formula is for babies aged between six months and one year. Man who drank colleague’s breast milk given probation The Centre for Food Safety announced... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2116358/abbott-baby-milk-powder-pulled-shelves-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2116358/abbott-baby-milk-powder-pulled-shelves-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Oct 2017 23:03:28 +0000