China launches milk probe into baby breast claims

China has ordered an investigation into claims that milk powder caused baby girls to grow breasts in central Hubei province. Parents and doctors have expressed concerns about hormones in the Synutra powder.

Synutra

Health Ministry spokesperson Deng Haihua said the gooverment had organised for medical experts to carry out tests on the affected girls.

The company said it has begun legal action to protect its brand. Its shares have fallen up to 35 per cent since the news on Monday.

"We have worked closely with state authorities to test product samples to prove that these claims are false," said chief executive Liang Zhang said. "We expect the results of these tests should be made soon."

Several state-owned newspapers this week reported signs of breasts in baby girls.

China Daily reported on Monday that levels of hormones in three girls fed on the formula who range in age from four to 15 months exceeded those of an average adult woman.

Two years ago, melamine-tainted milk powder caused the deaths of at least six babies in China.