*********************************
Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after attending a public function this afternoon (January 5):
Reporter: (On supply of powdered formula)
Secretary for Food and Health: In the coming Lunar New Year, there will be an anticipated increase in the demand of powdered formula in the local market. (To ensure sufficient supply of powdered formula for local infants and young children), it is very necessary for us firstly to maintain the export restriction (of powdered formula). Secondly, we will follow up with suppliers and retailers of the powdered formula regarding their measures to improve the supply and retail chain in the run-up to Lunar New Year. Thirdly, you may notice that the relevant authority, mainly the Customs and Excise Department, has been stepping up its enforcement efforts in combating parallel trading activities involving the supply of powdered formula. All the three aspects are very important to ensure that we can maintain the adequate supply of powdered formula in the Lunar New Year holiday.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Sunday, January 5, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:36
NNNN
