Health & Community

Gov't concerned about formula shortage

(January 23, 2014)

The Food & Health Bureau has reminded suppliers to keep their pledge to ensure sufficient powdered formula supply, expressing concern about survey results indicating a shortage in the retail market.
 
It commissioned a consultancy firm to conduct surveys earlier this month to follow up on the implementation progress and effectiveness of the improvement measures for Hong Kong's powdered formula supply chain.
 
The surveys, covering two brands with more serious shortages - Mead Johnson and Friso - were conducted January 4 to 8 and 11 to 15, in five areas known to have experienced serious shortages - Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, Eastern, Yau Tsim Mong, and North Districts.
 
The survey found the shortage situation of Mead Johnson acute, with an overall shortage rate of 64% for its stage two product during the first survey period. Among the five districts, the shortage situation of Mead Johnson was most serious in Eastern District, while the shortage situation of Friso was most serious in Yuen Long.
 
The situation did improve and the shortage rates of Mead Johnson and Friso dropped by four to 13 percentage points and two to 10 percentage points in the second survey period.
 
The bureau said it is concerned about the shortage, and has passed the survey results to suppliers, urging them to follow up on the findings. It also urged them to keep their pledge and make every effort to ensure the sufficient supply of powdered formula for locals during the peak demand period in the run-up to the Lunar New Year.