We, the Chinese Australian community, demand a formal apology from Woolworths CEO Grant O'brien. The recent baby milk formula purchasing situation demonstrates that there has been an element of racial profiling and discrimination. Adrian Cheng, Reginald Dong, two Chinese Australian families and Sarah Kong, a Korean Australian family had their purchases of baby milk formula rejected on Woolworths online despite the fact they all adhered to the four tin purchase rule. 

The question which needs to be asked is was there an element of racial profiling in this country, due to the misdeeds of a few? Now it is true that baby milk formula is in high demand in the Chinese market, particularly after the deadly tainted milk scandal in 2008, and in 2013 where a temporary ban was imposed by the Chinese Government on baby milk formula imports after a strain of bacteria was found in some of the products. However, China till this day still predominantly relies on New Zealand for its milk powder products, as opposed to being fully reliant on Australia.

In understanding the situation in China, it is not surprising, that many Chinese tourists are leaving Australia with eight, ten or more cans of baby milk formula. In actual fact, any parent, regardless of their ethnicity would do the exact same thing.

The xenophobic spotlight is on the Chinese, and with the pre-existing and simmering fears of a "Chinese invasion", we need a change in how Australians view those of Chinese ancestry and these incidents.

Before this incident, Woolworth's were also in hot water when shoppers spotted two different signage, one written in Chinese with different baby milk formula tin limits.

Before this incident, Woolworth's were also in hot water when shoppers spotted two different signage, one written in Chinese with different baby milk formula tin limits.

If Woolworths refuses to issue a formal apology, court action against the retail giant will be undertaken seeking damages for the families affected as well as a formal apology to both the families and to the Chinese Australian community.