Thorough Probe Urged Into Hunan Baby Milk Scare

Hunan provincial authorities have called for a thorough probe after a number of children in the same county developed swollen heads, apparently from drinking what was allegedly passed off as baby milk formula.

Mainland media had reported that babies in Yongxing county who were given the formula developed eczema, dramatic weight loss, swollen heads and were all diagnosed with rickets.

Officials in the county are investigating claims that protein powder was being passed off as an infant formula called "Beianmin" at a shop in the area.

It was reported that parents went there to buy amino acid-based milk powder as their babies were allergic to regular infant formula. The shop assistant recommended Beianmin.

Yongxing county officials said they would arrange for the children involved to undergo a medical examination.

The production and sale of formula for special medical purposes must be registered and reviewed by the Food Safety Supervision and Administration Department of the State Council.

The news comes 12 years after a major milk power scandal on the mainland, in which six babies died and about 300,000 fell ill after drinking formula laced with melamine, a chemical used to make fire-resistant products.