One of the global dairy trade giants Fonterra, recently announced that it sold contaminated New Zealand-made whey protein concentrate to eight costumers in Australia, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Saudi Arabia for a use of range in products, including infant milk powder.
On Saturday, the dairy exporter announced that it had found Clostridium Botulinum in some of its product, a bacteria that can cause botulism. Botulism is a rare but potentially fatal illness where even tiny amounts of this toxin can lead to severe poisoning. The bacteria affects the muscles and cause respiratory problems.
This dairy contamination however, isn’t the dairy exporter’s first issue. In January 2013, Fonterra said it found traces of dicyandiamde, a potentially toxic chemical used in fertilizers, in some of its products.
The contamination of Fonterra’s products has prompted China to recall any products which may have contaminated by the bacteria. China’s product safety agency said it had asked New Zealand to take immediate measures to “prevent the products in question from harming the health of Chinese consumers”. [Source]
Fortunately, Fonterra Malaysia has said that all its consumer product brands marketed in Malaysia, namely Anmum, Anlene and Anchor/Fernleaf, are spared from the botulism scare. In a statement by Fonterra Malaysia, Fonterra-branded products in Malaysia including Anmum, Anlene and Anchor/Fernleaf are safe for consumption.
Managing Director Fonterra Brands Malaysia David Ross said: “All of our consumer branded products in Malaysia are not affected by this issue and are safe for consumption.”
The Malaysian Health Ministry is expected to release an advisory soon. [Source]