August 29, 2013

Tests in New Zealand show Fonterra's product are botulism-free
 

New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries reported that Fonterra's products did not contain any botulism-causing bacteria, with tests suggesting the presence of a different type of bacteria.

"The bacteria found in the whey protein concentrate manufactured by Fonterra is not Clostridium botulinum," the ministry said in a statement. "The organism is confirmed as Clostridium sporogenes. It is therefore not capable of producing botulism-causing toxins."

Fonterra, the largest dairy firm in New Zealand and the world's largest exporter of dairy products, is at the centre of a global contamination scare, which triggered a global recall of its products and import bans from China and other countries.

Theo Spierings, CEO of Fonterra, said that it was a relief that the company's products did not contain botulism-causing bacteria. He also said that he expected the import bans on some products to be lifted in a "matter of days".