New Zealand: Milk products free from botulism

No sign of botulism bacteria have been found in recalled milk products of New Zealand’s largest dairy company, Fonterra, government officials have said after retest of products’ ingredients.

Fonterra initiated a global recall of infant formula this month after announcing it had discovered the presence of botulism bacteria in some of its whey protein concentrate.

But New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries announced on Wednesday that its own extensive testing of the concentrate indicated the presence of another, less dangerous type of bacteria, but not the botulism bacteria.

“We sought additional testing at both local and international laboratories, seeking the most robust results we could get. Scientists used a range of methods – all came back negative for clostridium botulinum,” said the acting MPI director General Scott Gallacher.

Officials said the bacteria they found posed no health risk but could spoil the product.

Officials sought to reassure the international markets by lifting their own warnings about affected Fonterra products.

Several countries have instituted limited bans on New Zealand milk products.