Subsequently, the company advised that its animal feed subsidiary NZAgbiz had announced an immediate product recall of a small amount of calf milk replacer.

In a third announcement, Fonterra confirmed that the products of three of its customers that received whey protein concentrate (WPC80) - Wahaha, Coca-Cola and Vitaco -  are safe to consume because of the way they are manufactured.  These three beverage companies use whey protein concentrate in either  UHT, yoghurt or acid beverage products.

Most recently, Fonterra said that it has received confirmation from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) ago that China has not imposed a blanket ban on Fonterra’s products.

Chinese authorities have temporarily suspended importation of whey powder and dairy base powder (a whey based dairy ingredient used in the manufacture of infant formula) produced by Fonterra, or produced in Australia using Fonterra’s whey protein powder as an ingredient (including whey protein concentrate). 

China has also increased inspection and supervision at the border for New Zealand dairy products, and indicated extra testing may be required.

“MPI has confirmed that China has not closed the market to New Zealand dairy products - and that China is being quite specific about the range of Fonterra products which it has temporarily suspended,” said NZ Milk Products managing director Gary Romano. “Whole Milk Powder and Skim Milk Powder have not been suspended.”

“We have been told that MPI is not aware of any additional market closures.  It is, however, getting clarity on reports that Russia appears to have put a temporary ban on New Zealand dairy products.”

Fonterra is continuing to work closely with the Ministry for Primary Industries to manage food safety concerns in New Zealand and around the world.

Fonterra assured consumers in global markets including Australia, Asia, China, Latin America, New Zealand and the Middle East that none of its range of branded consumer products contains the affected whey protein concentrate (WPC80).
 
In addition to branded consumer products, Fonterra markets a range of commercial ingredients under its NZMP label. These ingredients are sold to other food companies that use them to manufacture their own consumer products.
 
The three specific batches of WPC80 produced at a single New Zealand manufacturing site, which were identified by Fonterra in its initial announcement, are the only NZMP ingredients affected by this quality issue.
 
These batches were sold to eight of Fonterra’s customers – with some receiving it as base product and others receiving finished product manufactured by Fonterra using the affected WPC80 as an ingredient. Of these customers, three are food companies, two are beverage companies and three are companies that manufacture animal stock feed.
 
Fonterra is continuing to communicate with and provide support directly to these eight customers. At this stage, no product recalls have been announced. Any product recalls that may be necessary in the coming days will be announced and initiated by the respective customers, in conjunction with local regulators.
 
Fonterra said that it will continue to provide regular updates and further information as it becomes available.