MEDIA RELEASE          1 October 2013

14 October closing date for Whey Inquiry submissions

People who want to make submissions to stage one of the Government Inquiry into the Whey Protein Concentrate Contamination Incident have until 14 October to do so.

Stage one of the Inquiry will review the regulatory framework governing food safety in the dairy industry, and the recognised practices that apply in New Zealand, including a comparison with other comparable jurisdictions.

Stage two will investigate the incident that originated at Fonterra’s Hautapu plant in 2012 and developed in 2013. This part of the Inquiry is suspended until after completion of the Ministry for Primary Industries' compliance investigation.

Chair of the Inquiry, Miriam Dean, says the Inquiry is largely inquisitorial in nature.

“Many people have information that may be helpful to us. We are keen to hear from interested people and organisations, experts and others with an interest in the issues in the Terms of Reference,” says Ms Dean.

The Inquiry is currently accepting written submissions from any organisation or individual wishing to address paragraphs (b) or (c) in the Terms of Reference. Part (a) will be dealt with in stage two of the Inquiry.

The due date for submissions is 5pm on Monday 14 October 2013.

To assist submitters, the Inquiry has developed a provisional list of issues which are designed to address the Terms of Reference. This list is not exclusive and other relevant issues may be considered.

Information about the Inquiry, including the Provisional List of Issues, Terms of Reference and submission process, can be found at http://www.dia.govt.nz/Government-Inquiry-into-Whey-Protein-Concentrate-Contamination-Incident

The Inquiry operates independently of government but receives administrative assistance from the Department of Internal Affairs.

ENDS

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