The world's largest dairy processing company, New Zealand's Fonterra Cooperative Group, has announced a global recall of 1000 tons of potentially contaminated dairy products after its concentrated whey protein powder was found to possibly contain Clostridium botulinum. The contamination was attributed to an inadequately sterilized pipe in a processing plant, according to Fonterra.
New Zealand's Minister of Trade, Groser, stated on Saturday (August 3) that the suspected contaminated products were exported to Australia, China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Fonterra's New Zealand dairy subsidiary, involved in the incident, admitted that the problematic whey protein powder was supplied to eight companies but refused to disclose the names of the companies. However, Fonterra's Chinese statement on the matter mentioned the involvement of three Chinese companies.
Clostridium botulinum can cause botulism, also known as sausage poisoning or neurotoxic food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and paralysis of eye and throat muscles, with severe cases being fatal.
Fonterra's statement mentioned, "There have been no reports of illness linked to consumption of the affected whey protein batches."
China has not yet disclosed the affected product brands. According to the initial understanding of Hong Kong's Food and Health Bureau Director, Ko Wing-man, Hong Kong has not imported any formula affected by this issue.
In 2008, China experienced the Sanlu melamine-tainted milk powder incident, which led to a loss of confidence in domestically produced milk powder among Chinese parents, causing them to opt for more expensive imported brands. Fonterra, as a shareholder in Sanlu at the time, was the one that exposed the issue by reporting Sanlu's actions.
Fonterra is New Zealand's largest company, with an annual turnover of $16 billion. The cooperative, formed by New Zealand dairy farmers, processes 22 billion liters of milk each year, with 95% of its dairy ingredients, specialty ingredients, and consumer products exported overseas.
New from: BBC.com(CN)
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