By Rebecca Howard
WELLINGTON, New Zealand-- Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd. said
Monday its Fonterra Brands NZ unit is conducting a voluntary recall
of some fresh cream products distributed in part of the country's
North Island due to the possible presence of E. coli bacteria.
"Fonterra Brands NZ is today conducting a voluntary recall of
300 milliliter (10 fluid-ounce) and 500 milliliter bottles of
Anchor and Pams fresh cream with a best before date of 21 Jan.,
2014, distributed in the North Island from Northland to Turangi,
including Gisborne," it said in a statement.
Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, some strains can
cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections or other illnesses. The
domestic recall involves 8,700 bottles of fresh cream that have
been distributed to retail and food-service outlets.
The recall comes just months after Fonterra--the world's largest
dairy exporter--said in August three batches of its whey-protein
concentrate might contain harmful bacteria. That discovery led to
product recalls in China, New Zealand and elsewhere.
Subsequent testing indicated that the organism wasn't harmful.
But the fallout from the scare harmed the country's hard-won
reputation as a safe supplier of food. Dairy represents around a
third of exports from New Zealand, nicknamed the Saudi Arabia of
milk.
Late last week, Danone SA said it was severing ties with New
Zealand's largest company and was pursuing legal action for
compensation following the food-safety scare that weighed on the
French company's bottom line.
Fonterra Brands NZ Managing Director Peter McClure said Monday
the company is conducting the voluntary recall because quality
tests showed E. coli bacteria could be in some of the bottles of
cream.
"We are sorry for the inconvenience and concern this recall
might cause but food safety and quality are our top priorities,"
said Mr. McClure.
Write to Rebecca Howard at rebecca.howard@wsj.com
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