14 January 2014

Quick comprehensive action needed on latest Fonterra scare

Fonterra needs to quickly and comprehensively resolve the latest contamination scare to reduce further damage to New Zealand’s clean green and safe image.

Fonterra is recalling 8700 bottles of cream due to suspected E.coli contamination.

“Fonterra is linked to Brand New Zealand - when they fail, we suffer,” said Green Party agriculture spokesperson Steffan Browning.

“One of the 21 ‘decision points’ highlighted in an independent report into the Botulism scandal last year was Fonterra underestimated the potential scale of reputational risk posed by the botulism scare.

“Fonterra needs to act quickly and comprehensively so that they can reassure the public they know what the source of the contamination is.

“Dairy dominates our agriculture sector, New Zealand needs Fonterra to be reliable and maintain a spotless reputation. Any mistake by them impacts on all of us.

“Another contamination scare is not the start to the year that Fonterra or New Zealand needs,” said Mr Browning.

ENDS

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