March 19, 2014
New Zealand reassures safety of dairy products in China
After a botulism scare hit the New Zealand's largest dairy co-operative, Fonterra, last year, New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key has arrived in China at the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang.
Last year, Fonterra products were tested positive for a bacteria linked to botulism in its baby formula. Botulism can cause paralysis or death.
A member of prime minister's delegation earlier told a TV interview that the trip is about reaffirming New Zealand's already good reputation in the Chinese market.
Dairy is crucial to New Zealand's economy. According to New Zealand trade data in January this year, almost half its dairy exports go to China.
