New HK law amid milk scare

HONG KONG - HONG KONG said on Friday it will introduce a law against excess melamine in food amid a growing scandal over Chinese dairy products containing the potentially life-threatening chemical.

Health officials are studying safe levels of melamine, a chemical used to make plastics, said Mr York Chow, secretary for health, environment and food.

'We are preparing to legislate against melamine in food. The administration is expeditiously studying the standards laid down by the European Union, the US Food and Drug Administration, and other international bodies,' he told legislators on Friday.

The Hong Kong government has faced criticism that it was slow to act over the contamination scandal, which has claimed the lives of four babies in China and sickened more than 6,000.

It sought a recall on Thursday of all products made by Yili, one of China's biggest dairy companies, after finding the chemical in eight out of the 30 drinks, ice creams and yoghurt it tested.

But it has not ordered recalls of products from other companies that export to Hong Kong despite a Chinese government investigation finding some contained melamine.

Melamine can make products look like they are bursting with protein, but consumed in large amounts it can be lethal.

Mr Chow said it was possible for a small amount of the industrial chemical to 'migrate' to food products from plastic containers.

He also expressed concerned that retailers would seek to profit from the scare by raising prices for baby formula made overseas.

Demand for imported milk powder has soared this week as mainland mothers flocked to Hong Kong to stock up.

'We are worried about individual retailers taking the opportunity to raise prices of infant formula. We are working closely with the Consumer Council with the hope that these mothers will not be affected,' he said.

Mr Chow said suppliers had reassured him they would be able to meet an expected rise in demand of between 30 and 40 per cent.