China bans Fonterra imports

China has not imposed a blanket ban on Fonterra’s products, despite the recent recall of products containing Fonterra’s whey protein concentrate due to contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries has said.

Chinese authorities have, however, temporarily blocked imports of whey powder and dairy base powder produced by Fonterra, or produced in Australia using Fonterra’s whey protein powder as an ingredient. Chinese authorities have increased inspection of New Zealand dairy products and may conduct extra testing.

“MPI has confirmed that China has not closed the market to New Zealand dairy products - and that China is being quite specific about the range of Fonterra products which it has temporarily suspended,” said Fonterra’s NZ Milk Products Managing Director, Gary Romano. “Whole milk powder and skim milk powder have not been suspended.”

“We have been told that MPI is not aware of any additional market closures. It is, however, getting clarity on reports that Russia appears to have put a temporary ban on New Zealand dairy products.

Fonterra says it will continue to assist officials in any way it possibly can.

“We share the New Zealand Government’s objective of minimising any damage to New Zealand’s economy and reputation by restoring market confidence in New Zealand dairy products as soon as possible,” Romano said. “We are fully committed to allaying current concerns as quickly and effectively as we can.”