A further investigation of New Zealand’s largest food safety scare is getting under way.
In August 2013, dairy co-operative Fonterra announced a worldwide recall of some of its products, after testing revealed 38 tonnes of whey protein, which is used to make infant formula, was potentially contaminated with a botulism-causing bacteria.
Further testing showed the bacteria wasn’t present and there was never a health risk but four separate inquiries were launched.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye say the final part of a government inquiry starts on Monday.
It is head by Miriam Dean, QC, assisted by Tony Nowell and Anne Astin and includes independent peer reviewer Professor Alan Reilly, chief executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
Ms Dean will advise the timeframe for the investigation by the end of this month.
«This incident has been New Zealand’s largest food safety scare and while there is a need to ensure the inquiry is completed as soon as possible, this needs to be balanced against giving the inquiry team time to take a considered look at what happened and to enable a fair process to all parties involved,» the ministers said.
The inquiry’s work will take place against the background of civil litigation arising from the incident.
Fonterra is being sued by French food company Danone.
«In these circumstances, it will be especially important to develop processes that are fair to all participants, while also ensuring the matters in the terms of reference are fully addressed in a timely manner,» the ministers said.
Source: 3News