The baby girl who fell dangerously ill after being fed shoddy milk power in central-south China's Hunan Province in February is getting better, according to local hospital sources.

The six-month-old baby with an alias of Qi Qi, was found suffering from pneumonia and serious malnutrition when she was sent to the Zhuzhou Women and Children Health Care Center on February 24. Now, she is receiving treatment at the Provincial Children's Hospital of Hunan.

"Yes, Qi Qi's situation is much better now, however, it will take a long time before she fully recovers," said You Jieyu, the doctor in charge of Qi Qi's treatment, adding that the baby girl has gained some weight over the past two months.

Qi Qi had been fed "Zhengmeng" brand milk powder, which was bought from a shop at the town of Longtou in Zhuzhou, said Yan hongqu, Qi Qi's mother, adding that the shop has paid for the baby 's treatment.

Tests of the milk powder showed that nutrition-levels were far below national standards. Hunan has therefore launched a clear-up of the brand formula across the province and police are investigating the formula producer.

China launched a nationwide crackdown on substandard baby milk powder last year after at least 12 babies died and 189 were malnourished for being fed the fake milk powder made of starch, sugar, milk essence and other cheap ingredients.

Fifty-five brands of inferior milk powder were found in 11 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. More than 40 people were arrested on charges of producing and marketing fake milk powder and nine officials were sacked or given disciplinary penalties for dereliction of duty.