Press Releases
SFH on regulation of marketing of infant formula and supply of live poultry
Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and
Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after attending a meeting on breastfeeding and the
Hong Kong Code of Marketing and Quality of Formula Milk and Related
Products, and Food Products for Infants and Young Children at the Centre for
Health Protection this afternoon (July 15):
Reporter: (On regulation of advertisements of infant formula.)
Secretary for Food and Health: The Hong Kong Code of Marketing and Quality
of Formula Milk and Related Products, and Food Products for Infants and
Young Children (Hong Kong Code) indeed proposes to prohibit any form of
promotion, including advertisements, for infant formula for babies up to 36
months of age. Since we have received different opinions during our
consultation period and the fact that we have initiated a legislative move
currently on the regulation of labelling and nutritional requirements for
such infant formula, we have a need to re-examine the content of the Hong
Kong Code. In the coming few months, I will re-examine the Hong Kong Code in
the light of the latest legislative development as well as the different
opinions that are evolving among different stakeholders before making a
final decision.
Reporter: (On the arguments from infant formula suppliers.)
Secretary for Food and Health: There are various arguments against (the
prohibition of advertisements) including those relating to freedom of
expressions and freedom of information. I can tell you that the opposition
is quite strong.
Reporter: (On the progress of resumption of live poultry imports from the
Mainland.)
Secretary for Food and Health: We remain in very close contact and liaison
with the Mainland authority, but up to this moment, a decision has yet to be
made regarding the date for resuming live poultry import from the Mainland.
(Please also refer to the
Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:01
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