NESC regrets loss of funding

Yeung Yiu-chung, board chairman of National Education Services Centre (NESC), has expressed regret at the Education Bureau's decision to cut the subsidy to the organization.

The decision was seen as stemming from the controversy over NESC's publication of China Model, a teacher's reference book for national education.

Yeung stressed that the government subsidy and the controversial book were two separate issues. When asked if he believes the subsidy decision has been politicized, Yeung said he would let people draw their own conclusions.

Yeung said NESC will explore alternative funding resources and will continue promoting national education.

Parents register for blood tests

Parents of babies fed with Japanese infant formula found to contain dangerously low iodine levels may begin registering their babies for blood tests at maternal and child health centers on Thursday.

The Centre for Food Safety announced that iodine concentrations in two brands of infant formula, Wakodo and Morinaga, are well below international standard.

Iodine deficiency may affect production of thyroid hormones.

Ten maternal and child health centers have been designated to conduct blood tests on infants less than 8-months-old who were fed with the two brands.

There were also enquiries from parents who had been feeding infant formula of four other brands, with below-par iodine concentration.

Though the other brands were not seriously deficient in iodine, parents called on the government to expand eligibility for blood testing.

Hacking racket netted in Hunan

Hunan police announced the breaking of a computer hacking organization believed behind an extortion racket conducted against 14 Hong Kong financial companies in January and February.

Hong Kong companies received demands for up to 300,000 yuan before their web sites were subjected to attacks that prevented clients from logging in.

Investigation prompted an operation that mobilized more than 600 officers of the Hunan police department.

Ten suspects were arrested in Hunan, Hubei and Shanghai in late June.

McDonald's says glasses safe

Fast-food chain McDonald's said there is no quality problem with the Olympic-themed glasses given out in Hong Kong.

The declaration followed Japan McDonald's recall of tumblers given away for free with value sets during the "Olympic Cheer Coke Glass Campaign" in June and July.

The Japanese company received reports of 78 people who were cut because of "glass protrusions" due to an error by the Taiwan manufacturer.

The Hong Kong operations of McDonald's said the glasses given out locally are from a different manufacturer and that it has received no complaints about them.

China Daily

(HK Edition 08/10/2012 page1)