The Ministry for Primary Industries’ confirmation of the negative test result for C-botulinum is good news for all New Zealand dairy processors and exporters, says the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ). DCANZ Executive Director Kimberly Crewther says the results provide further assurance to consumers and markets of the safety of New Zealand dairy products.
She says the precautionary recall by Fonterra and subsequent response highlights the robust processes and adherence to the principles of self-disclosure and trust associated with New Zealand’s food safety system.
“New Zealand dairy processors are legally required to disclose any suspected food safety issues within a tight timeframe. When there is a question of food safety, precaution must be taken. That’s the approach taken by Fonterra and New Zealand officials in this case. “New Zealand has a long history of producing and exporting high quality safe dairy products.
This reflects the importance that all DCANZ members place on putting food safety first,” she says. “Notwithstanding the precautionary nature of the recall and the subsequent results, there will be learnings we take from the last month,” says Crewther. “We’ll apply these to doing what we do even better. But, for now, DCANZ members are looking forward to getting back to business.”
For further information contact:
Kimberly Crewther, Executive Director
Tel: (04) 471 6902
About DCANZ:
The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) was formed in July 2003 to co-ordinate and represent the collective public policy interests of its member dairy companies.
Its members comprise, Tatua Co-operative Dairy Company Limited, Westland Milk Products, Fonterra Brands (NZ) Ltd, Goodman Fielder Ltd, Synlait Milk Limited, Open Country Dairies Ltd, Miraka Ltd, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Gardians and Dairy Goat Co-operative