No botulism risk in NZ infant formula

No botulism risk in NZ infant formula - good news for babies and industry

The infant formula industry looks forward to the lifting of bans on product imposed during the whey protein scare, now that tests show there was never any botulism risk, says Infant Nutrition Council (INC) CEO Jan Carey.

Ms Carey said the news that there was no botulism risk in Fonterra’s batches of whey would come as a great relief to consumers of infant formula.

“Now that the tests have come back negative, we look forward to the bans on products introduced by several countries being lifted and things getting back to business as usual, though we realise this may take some time.”

She said consumers in New Zealand and in export markets should be grateful for the actions of the New Zealand formula industry in moving as fast as they did to remove potentially suspect product from the supply chain.

“Industry did the right thing in putting the safety of babies first. Once a potential problem was identified, the industry acted with all due speed, and it is to be commended for that.

“Their response shows that the New Zealand infant formula industry is intent on protecting consumers and upholding the premium that is brand New Zealand.

“Consumers can continue to be reassured that the industry takes the safety of all its products very seriously, and that there are well-developed safety measures in their supply chains which are serving to isolate and recall potentially affected products,” Ms Carey said.

About the Infant Nutrition Council

The Infant Nutrition Council Ltd (INC) is the association for the infant formula industry in Australia and New Zealand. The INC members include some of the most respected food companies in the world, and the organisation represents over 95% of the volume of infant formula manufactured, sold and exported in New Zealand.

INC works with government to ensure food standards are aligned with international practice and that breastfeeding is protected. The infant formula industry has spent many years studying breast milk and knows the value of good nutrition for infants and the unique and unsurpassed benefits of breast milk. However, when a baby does not receive breast milk, the only suitable and safe alternative is a scientifically developed infant formula product.

INC members include Abbott, Aspen, Bayer, HJ Heinz, Nestle, Nutricia, Fonterra, Synlait, New Image Group, Westland, and Dairy Goat Co-operative. All members abide by a Code of Conduct that provides direction on industry issues including the support of breastfeeding, food regulations and standards, food safety issues, and company representatives’ conduct and activities.
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