Eurofins is key player in global testing of infant formula for China
by Linda Tilman, Eurofins Netherlands
Since the death of infants in China in 2008 from melamine poisoning and other subsequent issues with milk based products, Chinese consumers have demanded improved confidence that infant and child formula are safe.
As a result, Chinese consumers have turned to important dairy producing countries such as New-Zealand and the Netherlands for the supply of such products and imports have increased. On May 1st 2013, China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) introduced new legislation for the import of dairy products requiring all imported dairy products comply with the same food-safety standards (so called GB's) that apply in China (announcement 53.2013). This has resulted in the number of different tests required for exporting infant formula to China increasing from 10 to 66.
For infant formulae destined for the Chinese market, complete nutrient information including fat composition, minerals, vitamins and specific carbohydrates now has to be provided as described in GB10765. It is also compulsory to test for contaminants such as melamine, lead, nitrate, nitrite, mycotoxins and several micro organisms.
Eurofins is a market leader for checking the food safety and quality of such high value products. Many producers of leading food brands have recognised Eurofins as a reliable partner with many years of expertise in the dairy industry. When the Chinese government increased regulation, Eurofins took immediate action; the laboratories in China and a team of technical experts worked on a business solution for clients that export infant formula and dairy products to China. Eurofins can now offer the complete range of GB methods in China and will shortly be able to offer these methods also in Europe. The laboratories have invested in additional capacity and optimised logistics to deliver testing results within short turnaround times. Thus, access to the Chinese market is facilitated for the customers.
Contact: LindaTilman@eurofins.com
