Dairy products recalled after botulism contamination

Fonterra has recalled several batches of whey protein concentrate after concerns were raised that they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism. The product, WPC80, is used in a range of products including baby formula and sports supplement drinks.

Two products have been recalled in New Zealand only: Karicare Infant formula Stage 1 (0-6 months) and Karicare Gold+ Follow On Formula Stage 2 (6-12 months). Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is working with the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries to verify that there are no products of concern in the Australian marketplace and that Australian dairy products are safe for consumers.

Fonterra has said that, although Wahaha, Coca-Cola and Vitaco have received the WPC80, their products are safe to consume because of the way they are manufactured.

“Our technical teams have been working closely this weekend with Coca-Cola, Wahaha and Vitaco, and have established that the process used to manufacture their products would kill the bacteria that was in the affected whey protein concentrate,” said Gary Romano, Fonterra’s managing director of NZ Milk Products.

“In the case of Coca-Cola and Wahaha, the combination of low pH and ultrahigh-temperature treatment gives us complete confidence that acid beverages and yoghurts (pH <4.5) are safe. In the case of Vitaco, the ultrahigh-temperature treatment gives us the same confidence.”

One batch of the contaminated whey protein concentrate may have been sold as stock feed in Australia. FSANZ says tracing of the product has commenced. In New Zealand, Fonterra’s animal feed subsidiary NZAgBiz, which is one of eight customers that received affected whey protein concentrate, has issued an immediate product recall of calf replacement feed.

A second consignment was used as an ingredient in products that have been exported to New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia and China. The consignments met commercial specifications for export when tested for Clostridia bacteria. The Australian Government is working with these countries to trace the products.

This information was reproduced with the kind permission of FSANZ.