July 10, 2007

Dairy exports from China's Inner Mongolia region rises

Exports of dairy products from China's Inner Mongolia had increased in the first five months of 2007 compared with the same period last year.

According to data provided by the Inner Mongolian Office of the General Administration of Quality, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), combined export volume of Mengniu Dairy Group, Yili Dairy Group and other diary producers during the January-May period had increased to 7,033.2 tonnes, valued at US$6.07 million. These were up 43 percent and 73 percent respectively compared with Jan-May 2006.

To further enhance the export prospects of Inner Mongolia's dairy products, the Inner Mongolian Office of the AQSIQ as well as other governmental organizations will continued to ensure that stringent requirements on quality control and hygiene standards, from milk collection right through to the finished products, are adhered to.

Authorities in Mongolia will also issue guidelines for usage of food additive and other nutritional-enhancing agents. Meanwhile, producers will also be required to closely monitor for the presence of animal drug residues as well as aflatoxin in the raw materials used. Random checks, in addition to the regular testing of samples, will also be conducted.

RMB1=US$0.1315 (Jul 10)