Infant formula are sold at a supermarket. (File photo/Chinanews.com)
(ECNS) -- Bi Jingquan, head of China Food and Drug Administration, said the watchdog will strictly investigate and prosecute cases involving infant formula milk powder.
Bi said the registration system for infant formula products took effect on October 1 last year, which bans hyping the benefits of milk powder in advertising. False propaganda that boasts its products can boost intelligence or immunity is forbidden and every brand claim must be based on scientific tests.
Priorities will be given to ensure sufficient supervision in the production of formula milk powder using a holistic approach that keeps a close eye on the supply chain all the way from raw material sources to sales, it was added.
He said China encourages producers to develop their own sources for milk and requires them to strictly adhere to requirements in the production environment and equipment management.
Manufactures need to have a traceability and results evaluation system as supervision authorities continue making monthly checks to improve food safety, Bi said. Products or producers that fail to comply with the rules will face punishments.
Chinese authorities have been making continuing efforts to restore consumer confidence in Chinese dairy products after the industry's reputation was seriously undermined by a tainted milk scandal in 2008.
Bi also said the general quality of China's infant formula milk powder has made steady progress. The watchdog found problems in 32 out of 2,532 checks in 2016, with issues detected at mainly medium-sized or small companies.
