Distributors of dairy products in Macao blame visitors from the Chinese mainland for the shortage of infant formula at local pharmacies, Macao Daily reported on Friday.

Related readings: Macao records 805,289 visitor arrivals during Spring Festival  Macao's VIP junket risk spooks investors  Macao casino tycoon says he was given raw deal

Many Chinese mainland residents visited Macao during the Chinese Spring Festival, and bought infant formula there. Local pharmacies attributed this year's shortage of infant formula, especially those produced by certain US companies, to lower supply, which has dropped two-thirds from half a year ago.

Distributors, however, said the supply quota is unlikely to change, and that the shortage was caused by abnormal market demand.

Chinese mainland residents have been purchasing infant formula in Hong Kong and Macao in recent years, because some people believe the product there is cheaper and of better quality.