Fonterra agent in Malaysia recalls milk powder over contamination concerns

Tuesday, 6 August 2013 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

REUTERS: A company in Malaysia recalled baby formula products on Monday (5 August) after New Zealand’s main dairy exporter, Fonterra, said over the weekend that it had found toxic bacteria in some batches that could cause botulism. Danone Dumex, an importer of Fonterra’s products, said in a press statement it recalled limited batches of milk powder as a precautionary measure after being informed by the New Zealand company that contaminated whey protein concentrate had been discovered. Botulism affects the nervous and respiratory systems. Fonterra said the contaminated concentrate had been exported to China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Saudi Arabia and used in products including infant milk powder and sports drinks.

In Malaysia, products from Dumex Dupro, Mamex Cherish, Mamex Explore and Bebelac could have been affected. The Malaysian government said it was closely monitoring the issue but the country had not banned any import of dairy products from New Zealand. “We are in touch continuously with the New Zealand authorities for information and we will act accordingly to the information we receive. So, our aim is if there is any chance that a contaminated source has already reached (Malaysia) we will ensure the recall of that products,” said Malaysian Minister of Health Sathasivam Subramaniam. The news had also triggered worries among parents in Malaysia. “Of course we are worried, as it is crucial for the growth of the baby, it could make the baby sick, for instance give the baby a fever,” said Muslim Mohammad Yussof, father of a nine-month-old infant. China has restricted New Zealand imports of whey products. Fonterra’s Chief Executive Theo Spierings apologised in Beijing and reiterated that food safety was its top priority. Spierings said the latest problem originated in a pipe in a factory in New Zealand that was seldom used, and a normal cleaning was not sufficient to sanitise it. Fonterra discovered in March that some whey protein concentrate, produced and sold to customers in May 2012, had been contaminated. It immediately began testing, but as most of the bacteria’s strains are benign, the company did not find the harmful strain until July. Customers were informed on 31 July.