New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has found that Fonterra’s whey protein concentrate ingredient and the products made using it, including infant formula, were free from Clostridium botulinum.
MPI has carried out a total of 195 tests in the US and New Zealand. This testing by MPI followed the original samples tested by AgResearch that found the contamination and led to the recall of the products.
Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings said that the original results from AgResearch indicated the presence of toxin-producing Clostridium botulinum in the affected whey protein concentrate and they could therefore not take any chances.
"On the basis of the results we received from the AgResearch tests, we had no choice but to alert regulators, and announce a global precautionary recall with our customers," Spierings added.
"We have just learned of the further and definitive test results. While we share a sense of relief about them, this in no way lessens our commitment to undertaking a thorough review into what happened, and to learn from this experience."
In a seperate development, Fonterra has resumed Sri Lankan consumer operations after an assessment by management that there is no risk to the dairy co-operative staff and that the situation has now stabilized.
Spierings said recently the company took the decision to temporarily suspend Sri Lanka operations to protect its people, and to protect farmer shareholders' assets.
"I am now confident that our people are safe and the business is ready to resume operations and continue selling high quality dairy nutrition to Sri Lankan people," Spierings concluded.
