The China Food and Drug Administration signaled on Tuesday its intention to consolidate mainland dairies that make baby formula, experts said.

Wang Dingmian, chairman of the Guangzhou Dairy Association, said that statements on the administration's website suggest a goal of merging or closing up to half the 128 baby formula manufacturers by March to improve quality control and corporate management.

"It is aimed at further cleaning up the dairy sector and boosting confidence in the industry," he said.