New Zealand: Fonterra recalls dairy products across seven countries over botulism fears

Fonterra, New Zealand’s main dairy exporter, has found a strain of bacteria causing botulism in some of its products, including infant formula and sports drinks.

It has led to a global recall of up to 1,000 tons of dairy products across seven countries, including China.

Fonterra has not named the eight companies affected.

Botulism is one of the most dangerous forms of food poisoning, often leading to paralysis.

New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries confirmed on Saturday that the tainted products included infant formula, sports drinks, protein drinks and other beverages.

The bacterium was found in three batches of Fonterra’s whey protein used in infants’ Nutricia Karicare follow-on formula, Fonterra said.

The whey product was produced in May 2012, with a dirty pipe at one of its processing plants in Waikato responsible for the contamination, the company said.

Fonterra has found a strain of bacteria causing botulism in some of its products

Nutricia has locked down all five batches of formula believed to contain the tainted product and says none of its product was actually sold.

Fonterra – the fourth largest diary company in the world – says it has urged its customers to urgently check their supply chains.

“We are acting quickly,” Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings said.

“Our focus is to get information out about potentially affected product as fast as possible so that it can be taken off supermarket shelves and, where it has already been purchased, can be returned.”

The countries affected beside New Zealand include China, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.

Fonterra said there had been no reports of any illness linked to the affected whey product.

The dairy industry powers New Zealand’s economy, with the country exporting up to 95% of its milk.

Fonterra is a major supplier of bulk milk powder products used in milk formula in China.

Chinese consumers have a special interest after a tainted milk formula scandal in 2008 killed six babies and made some 300,000 infants sick.

The Chinese authorities have already ordered domestic importers to recall all milk products that could be affected.

Fonterra’s chief executive, Theo Spierings, plans to fly to China on Saturday to deal with the fall-out.

Botulism is a rare paralytic illness caused by a toxin which is very poisonous to humans.

Kathryn R. Bown

Kathryn - Our health specialist likes to share with the readers the latest news from the field. Nobody understands better than her the relation between healthy mind and healthy body.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Celebrate Election Victory at UFC 309

Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…

5 days ago

White House 2024: Donald Trump Wins, Kamala Harris Calls Him to Concede Election

Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Donald Trump Declares Victory as He Addresses Jubilant Supporters in Florida

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…

2 weeks ago

Stocks Soaring as Donald Trump Closes in on US Victory

Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Path to Victory Narrows

Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…

2 weeks ago

Quincy Jones Dead at 91

Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…

2 weeks ago