The New Zealand government has assured customers of dairy giant Fonterra that it is doing all it could to contain the risks of contaminated whey products. Fonterra says all supplies of potentially contaminated infant formula have been removed from the international market, and there is almost no risk to consumers.
It says the 18 metric tons of potentially contaminated whey protein concentrate was used in 23-hundred tons of infant formula, but it says it has recalled all the products. No reports of illness have been received. But the global dairy products index has fallen sharply as a result.
Fonterra sold whey protein concentrate contaminated with Botulism to eight countries including Australia, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Saudi Arabia. Seven of its 8 customers have been named including four China-based companies, including Hangzhou Wahaha Company, Coca Cola China, Shanghai Tangjiu Group and Shanghai-based Dumex Baby Food Company.
China began recalling contaminated products on Sunday and halted imports of all milk powder from New Zealand and Australia. China has also urged New Zealand to investigate the case immediately and take concrete measures to prevent products harming Chinese consumers.