Contamination Crisis at Fonterra
Chinese authorities have temporarily suspended importation of whey powder and dairy base powder (a whey based dairy ingredient used in the manufacture of infant formula) produced by New Zealand-based Fonterra, the world’s largest exporter of dairy products, or produced in Australia using Fonterra’s whey protein powder as an ingredient (including whey protein concentrate). China has also increased inspection and supervision at the border for New Zealand dairy products, and indicated extra testing may be required.
The moves follow the discovery of a quality issue involving three batches of Fonterra whey protein concentrate (WPC80) produced at the Hautapu manufacturing site in New Zealand. The affected product contains a strain of Clostridium, which has the potential to cause botulism. There have been no confirmed reports of any illness linked to consumption of the affected whey protein.
“Our top priority is the safety of consumers, and working with customers and regulators to make sure the public is protected,” says NZ Milk Products managing director Gary Romano. “We share the New Zealand Government’s objective of minimising any damage to New Zealand’s economy and reputation by restoring market confidence in New Zealand dairy products as soon as possible. We are fully committed to allaying current concerns as quickly and effectively as we can.”
The farmer-owned New Zealand co-operative is the largest processor of milk in the world, producing more than two million tonnes of dairy ingredients, value added dairy ingredients, specialty ingredients and consumer products every year.
