'Milk mineral' spurs action

Several brands in China said they would suspend selling or change packages of baby foods containing "milk minerals" banned for kids under three.

The Sinopharm Nutraceuticals (Shanghai) Co Ltd, said it has suspended sales of "Rujiali" food supplement until the package can be changed. It has also started a recall of the product.

A company statement admitted its "product package has flaws and may mislead consumers," but denied there is a quality problem with its product.

Local parents have expressed concerns, though no government action has been announced.

"I felt worried as my daughter has consumed the product, following the suggestion of doctors, who said the product is a good source for a calcium supplement," said Li Zhe, a local father.

Shanghai Hengshoutang Pharmaceutical Co Ltd said it would change the package of its baby products containing the mineral to say "children under three years old should not take the product," the Shanghai Morning Post reported yesterday.

Milk mineral is reportedly allowed in some countries.

Milk mineral will add to the burden of a baby's tender stomach, intestines and liver, said Zhu Yi, a professor with the China Agricultural University.

The additive is not allowed for babies according to regulations issued by the Ministry of Health in 2009 as it is a newly extracted compound with unproven effects on babies.