China -  Chinese law firm

Tumult Against China-Based Synutra——alarm for U.S. Companies owning stakes in Chinese food manufactures

18.08.10 17:32 Age: 14 yrs
Tumult Against China-Based Synutra——alarm for U.S. Companies owning stakes in Chinese food manufactures

In recent weeks, the Chinese baby-formula manufacturer, Synutra International (“Synutra”), has come under fire due to the allegations that some of its milk-powder products may cause premature sexual development in baby girls.

It all starts from a report stating that 3 baby girls in Wuhan, Hubei province who all drink Synutra milk-powder products showed signs of premature sexual development and, in particular, develop breasts. Then the rumor starts to run about that the Synutra milk-powder products contains a unusually high level of hormones, which is the reason for the premature sexual development in the baby girls.

Synutra responded to the allegations against it in a press release very soon, asserting the claims to be highly irresponsible and without scientific evidence. The Ministry of health also announced its investigation results clarify that the hormones level in the milk-powder products is within reasonable standard.

Yet all the claims and announcement of the authorities could not totally put the startled parents at ease. Scandals of China’s milk product market in recent years have made Chinese parents become very suspicious. And the Synutra has suffered great loss in recent weeks as a result.

Although the allegations of tainted milk powder may not spread any more, the cloud hanging over the Chinese milk product market may not clear away in a certain period. And the U.S.-based food manufacturers and those companies that have a stake in Chinese food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may be greatly influenced as well.

“It may be wise for such companies to focus on quality control issues and take some proactive measures.” suggested Edward E, Lehman, Managing Director of Lehman, Lee & Xu.

According to a recent report of the Wall Street Journal, Yashili, a Chinese infant-formula maker owned in part by the Carlyle Group, hired six food-industry experts (including former director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Robert Brackett) to shore up consumer confidence in its products before its initial public offering.

 

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