The overall quality of baby formula in China has improved, and the government's next step in the fight against inferior formula is to further regulate brands, labeling and advertising in the market, said Bi Jingquan, director of the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office on Feb. 27.

The CFDA has initiated the registration process for baby formula according to food safety laws. The government inspected 2,532 batches of baby formula in 2016, out of which 32 batches earned scores below the minimum standard. Twenty-two had safety problems and 10 had insufficiently detailed labeling.

Addressing the situation, Bi made it clear that tighter supervision must be imposed over the process, from manufacturing to sourcing, production, sales and more. The government encourages formula manufacturers to establish their own milk sources and tighten management of production environments, equipment and procedures. Moreover, competent authorities should conduct regular spot checks, weed out violators, and recall and halt the production of sub-standard products in a timely manner.