China lists domestic milk powder production licensees

Chinese food and drug authorities on Tuesday publicized a list of 128 domestic companies that are eligible to produce milk powder, in a bid to better supervise the production of infant formula.

The move came after toxic bacteria was found in imported dairy products from New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra, and it will enable the public to easily learn the qualifications and other relevant information concerning such producers, according to a statement issued by the China Food and Drug Administration.

The administration said it will launch a campaign to examine and file details on baby formula producers, as part of the latest efforts to clean up the industry and standardize product information and its packaging, the statement said.

It added that detailed information on the baby formula producers and their products will be made public in a timely manner after the filing.