China and infant milk saga

No one even doubted the buying power of the Chinese. But this news really drove home the point. We all know that in China infant milk formula faced flak for its poor quality and adulteration which in 2008, led to six babies dying and more than 3 lakh children fell ill after drinking the milk products. Traces of melamine were found in the milk formula, which is a toxic chemical. Mothers across the  country lost complete faith in any infant milk formula available there. China then resorted to importing infant milk powder but then reports of adulteration in these imported powders by distributors and retailers surfaced. So mothers just stopped buying any infant milk powder in China.

So what do they do now? Every time they go travelling to foreign countries, they stock up on infant milk powders! Yes, everywhere they go, they are seen filling their bags with these powders and it has become the biggest thing on their shopping list. The buying power of the Chinese is so huge that in some 6-8 countries, right from Netherland to New Zealand, there is now actually a shortage!

Retail chains like Boots and Sainsbury in Britain now limit individuals to two cans of infant formula per purchase. In Hong Kong, only tow cans or four-pounds is allowed to be taken out of the territory and if found violating, there is a fine of up to $6,500 and two years in prison. 

This drives home also the point of how Chinese food consuming patterns, their food and environmental concerns could actually alter things for the entire world.