New Zealand dairy company recalls infant formula as exports to China come under threat

This article is more than 7 years old

This article is more than 7 years old

Infant formula has been recalled in New Zealand and exports to China may be at risk after Fonterra revealed its whey protein had been contaminated with a toxic bacteria.

Fonterra announced on Saturday that some of its whey contained a bacteria that can cause botulism, which can cause nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting, paralysis or even death.

The powder has been exported to Australia, China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Vietnam.

China's quality watchdog has suspended imports of New Zealand milk powders and ordered importers to pull products from their shelves.

Fonterra's chief executive, Theo Spierings, has rushed to China for crisis talks, and the New Zealand trade minister, Tim Groser, said he would follow "at the drop of a hat" if he were advised that political talks were necessary.

In New Zealand Nutricia Karicare is recalling two products: Karicare Infant Formula Stage 1 (0-6 months) with batch numbers 3169 and 3170, and Karicare Gold+ Follow On Formula Stage 2 (6-12 months) with batch number D3183.

The recall was precautionary and none of its products indicated any contamination, Nutricia said.

Parents have vented their frustration on social media at the recall and changing advice, after initially being told only formula for children aged 6 months plus was affected.

"I am furious that there is a chance that your formula has be contaminated, I have changed brands as of last night, will not be ever using karicare formula agai," Catherine Bunting posted on Karicare's Facebook page.

Fonterra animal feed subsidiary NZAgbiz is recalling calf milk replacer found to contain the affected whey.

A small amount of affected product had been sold to customers in the North Island, but the majority was still in stock, NZAgbiz general manager Justine Pearce said. Expert advice confirmed the risk to animal health was low, she said.

Fonterra says all its eight affected customers have either recalled or deemed their products safe.

About 38 tonnes of whey protein concentrate manufactured at Fonterra's Hautapu plant in Waikato were contaminated by an unsanitary pipe in May 2012.

Testing in March indicated a problem, and the whey tested positive for clostridium botulinum on Wednesday.

Fonterra notified the Ministry for Primary Industries (Mpi) on Friday afternoon.

The batches of whey product have been used in 870 tonnes of products, Mpi acting director general Scott Gallacher said.

More than 60 staff from Mpi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry of Health are working on the response.

There have been no reports of children with botulism in New Zealand, health minister Tony Ryall said.

Fresh milk, yoghurt, cheese, and ultra-high temperature milk products are not affected.