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• Hong Kong sets baby formula limits (2013-03-04)
  
• Since it took effect on Friday (1 March 2013), 45 people have been detained in Hong Kong for violating a new limit on the amount of infant formula than can be taken to the mainland. The detainees, 26 Hong Kong residents and 19 from the mainland, tried to carry 178 cans of milk powder, each weighing 1.2 kg, through customs into the mainland, Lai Tung-kwok, head of the Security Bureau of Hong Kong, said on Sunday. Under an amendment to Hong Kongs export and import law, from March 1, a person can carry only two cans, or 1.8 kg, of baby formula out of Hong Kong, and the person must be at least 16 years old. Violators face fines of up to HK$500,000 (US$64,500) and two years in jail. The law amendment was passed to prevent the influx of traders who buy milk powder in Hong Kong and resell it on the mainland for a profit, mainly to families who have no faith in mainland-produced infant formula. Many Hong Kong residents complained about formula shortages because of that trade.    Photo by Imaginechina