China publicizes information on domestic milk powder producers

China's food watchdog, the State Food and Drug Administration, has released information on nearly 130 milk powder producers that are authorized to sell their products. It is also tightening regulation on the production of infant formula.

These are the latest efforts by the government to clean up the industry after toxic bacteria was found in imported dairy products from New Zealand dairy giant, Fonterra.

Making efforts to better supervise the production of infant formula, Chinese food and drug authorities on Tuesday publicized a list of 128 domestic companies that are licensed to produce milk powder. The State Food and Drug Administration said the public will now be able to learn about their qualifications and other relevant information.

The administration said it will launch a campaign to examine the details of the baby formula producers to standardize product information and packaging. It added that detailed information on the baby formula producers and their products will be made public in a timely manner.

On the same day, the administration also published a draft regulation on infant formula production written by experts and food and drug safety supervisors. The regulation requires infant formula producers implement stricter management systems for food safety.

Under the regulation, the producers need to have a milk source built or controlled by themselves. It even demands the producers have research and development capabilities.

Meanwhile, better management will be required, especially in the purchasing of raw and supplementary materials. The standards for production conditions, such as the cleanliness of the production environment, will also be raised.

The administration is seeking public opinions for the draft. People can make comments and suggestions via post, email and fax before August 15 this year.