NZ milk powder scandal: Bacteria may be toxic to consumers

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NZ milk powder scandal: Bacteria may be toxic to consumers

(CNTV) 10:47, August 05, 2013

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In a statement issued its website, Fonterra says it told eight clients about "quality problems" after tests showed the possible presence of the bacteria Clostridium in whey protein.

So far, there’ve been no reports of any illnesses... and no Fonterra-branded consumer goods have been found to be tainted. Fresh milk, yogurt, butter and pasturized milk are not affected.

China’s Food and Drug Administration has been liasing with companies who’ve imported the protein.

In a statement issued its website, Fonterra says it told eight clients about "quality problems" after tests showed the possible presence of the bacteria Clostridium in whey protein. (Photo/Xinhua)

Liu Peizhi, Vice Director, China Food & Drug Administration, said, "We urge them to take immediate action to make the situation clear, and find out the reasons for this problem. We also ask them to immediately stop selling the products and recall all sold products."

Botulin toxin is a kind of bacteria that grows at room temperature, in a low acid and oxygen-light environment. It can trigger food poisoning, causing nausia, vomiting, dizziness and breathing problems.

Experts say the bacteria can be harmful to infants.

"Young babies’ stomachs haven’t fully matured, so if the toxin gets into their blood, it may cause paralysis."

Fonterra is the world’s largest dairy processor, producing over 200 tons of dairy ingredients a year. The New Zealand government has launched a massive recall from seven countries, including China, with the total thought to amount to 1000 tons of dairy products.