Parents and doctors in the Hebei province had expressed concern that the powder may have been responsible for breast growth among three girls aged four- to 15 months. Medical tests had revealed excessive levels of hormones in the young girls.

Investigation

Having conducted its own investigation into the allegations, the Health Ministry in China has revealed that it sees no link between the cases and the products made by Synutra.

A spokesperson for the ministry was quoted in the press this morning saying: “The ministry of health experts’ group believes that there is no relationship between the premature development of breasts in the three infants in Hubei and Synutra milk powder.”

Company denials

Investigators tested products made by Synutra and 20 other brands to compare hormone levels, and found that the content of the Synutra products was within normal standards.

The results of the official Chinese investigation come after both Synutra and Fonterra denied any responsibility for the premature breast growth cases. Liang Zhang, chairman and CEO of Synutra said it was the company’s belief that “Synutra products are safe and in no way related to these claims.”

Meanwhile, Fonterra, which supplies Synutra, said there is no way Hormonal Growth Promotants could have got into its products. In a statement, Fonterra said it “remains 100 per cent confident about the quality of its products.”