China's love for imported milk powder hit hard
中國對進口奶粉信心大受打擊

China’s love affair with imported milk powder has taken a hit after New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra was embroiled in a milk powder scandal. But some analysts stress that the incident may not have a lasting impact on China’s preference for foreign- brands.

Strolling through the park with her 40-day-old grandson, Ms Zhang says choosing safe baby formula in China has became a tougher job, now that foreign brands have also been tainted.

Consumer Ms. Zhang said, "My grandson has been taking the US brand called Abbott since he was born. As soon as we heard about that toxic bacteria was found in imported dairy products from overseas, we went immediately online to see whether the specific type of milk powder we’ve been buying is safe or not, luckily this brand is safe."

In 2008, a melamine scandal involving a Chinese brand of baby formula left six children dead and tens of thousands sick.

This has forced many families in the Chinese mainland to buy imported brands.

But just last week, China began a mass recall of milk products produced by the world’s largest dairy exporter Fonterra, after toxic bacteria was found in its baby formula.

The contamination scandal has soured many Chinese parents away from New Zealand’s dairy products.

But some parents are still sceptical about domestic brands.

CCTV reporter Xie Sisi said, "Chinese consumers’ love for foreign milk powder has been shaken by the Fonterra scandal.

Analysts say the incident offers an opportunity for Chinese dairy companies to rebuild their brands and trust among Chinese consumers. But to take the place of imported milk powder, analysts say Chinese producers need to do more than just offer lower prices. Quality is what matters most, especially among Chinese parents. "