Fonterra whey products do not contain botulism-causing bacteria, says MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) of New Zealand has announced that the whey protein concentrate (WPC) manufactured by dairy co-operative Fonterra does not contain Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that can cause botulism.

Fonterra’s products were at the centre of a global contamination scare that triggered a recall and temporary ban on imports of the products in countries including China, Russia and Sri Lanka.

MPI stated that tests of products containing the implicated WPC revealed the presence of clostridium sporogenes, which does not cause botulism; however, at elevated levels certain strains may be associated with food spoilage.

About 195 various tests deploying a range of technologies have been conducted in laboratories in New Zealand and the US.

MPI acting director-general Scott Gallacher said that when the MPI received information from Fonterra on 2 August that it had detected Clostridium botulinum in some of its products, it immediately adopted a precautionary approach to protect consumers both in New Zealand and overseas.

"We needed to act on what we knew at that time. The information we had then said there was a food safety risk to consumers and we moved quickly to address it," Gallacher added.

"We sought additional testing at both local and international laboratories, seeking the most robust results we could get."

MPI stated that it has informed overseas regulators of these results and will soon provide them with a full diagnostic report.

Meanwhile, Fonterra announced that it has resumed operations in Sri Lanka after a temporary closure last week over staff safety concerns following protests against milk product contamination.

This development follows a thorough assessment by the company’s management that there is no risk to its staff and that the situation has now stabilised.

The Enjoining Order, which prevented Fonterra from advertising or marketing its products in Sri Lanka, was overturned in the Gampaha District Court last week, the company said.

Fonterra stated that it will continue to work with Sri Lankan and New Zealand authorities on a long-term sustainable solution to support its customers, communities and the local dairy sector in Sri Lanka.