Fonterra’s reputation has taken a hit among Chinese consumers, with parents of young children concerned about using Kiwi milk powder.
Li Jingyang and wife Ang, of Beijing, said they had bought New Zealand milk powder for baby son Hong Han because of its good reputation.
As Fonterra was now facing international attention after a shipment of whey protein concentrate was found to be contaminated with the bacteria that can cause botulism, Chinese consumers were worried.
«[New Zealand’s] reputation is damaged now, I think this will take its toll,» Mr Li said.
«Infant formula milk powder is so important, no Chinese mother will try any stuff they do not trust, especially this kind of product.»
He and his wife were keeping their eyes on their son’s health after the news broke.
China has suspended imports of Fonterra whey powder and dairy base powder used in infant formula manufacturing. It has also increased border inspections for New Zealand dairy products, indicating some extra testing may be done.
More than 80 per cent of milk powder imported to China so far this year was New Zealand-made.
Chinese media have widely reported that companies who had imported affected ingredients were pulling products from shelves and recalling affected batches. Coca-Cola was preparing to recall one line of milk drinks, and baby formula maker Dumex was also recalling products.
Beijing mother Zhang Xiao Yan said she had always bought New Zealand milk powder since her daughter Eva Ju, now 2, was born.
«A lot of my friends buy New Zealand milk powder for their children as well. It has a great reputation here.»
The contamination was concerning, as getting the right milk powder for their baby was a «very sensitive» decision, she said.
«Every mother is worried about it. I’ll think about things more carefully now when buying milk powder from New Zealand.»
Despite the crackdown, Mr Li said he believed that the contamination was «just an accident».
«I trust the New Zealand Government will work on it and will get a good result later, as milk powder is an important business for New Zealand.
«This will have some impact for future success of New Zealand products for a while.»
Concerned Kiwi parents have meanwhile flooded Plunket with calls about the contamination.
Plunket service delivery general manager Brenda Hynes said registered nurses had done extra shifts to deal with the phone demand.
«We don’t want parents stressing about things. This is quite understandably an anxious time for them. Instead of worrying about it, they should just call Plunketline.»
Source: Stuff
