On August 3rd, 2013 Fonterra issued a statement saying three lots of Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC80) produced in May 2012 have been identified as potentially containing a strain of Clostridium bacteria which can cause botulism. So far there have been no reports of any illness linked to consumption of the affected whey protein. According to reports, Fonterra produced three lots of WPC80 totaling 38 metric tons (MT). All of the lots were successfully tested for overall quality, and were shipped to eight customers. Subsequently, some of the 38 MT was shipped back to Fonterra for
the manufacture of another product for a third party customer. Routine testing of the affected WPC80 prior to this manufacture in March 2013 indicated a positive finding for Clostridium bacteria. Because some clostridia strains are harmless, it became essential for further testing to be carried out to better identify the exact strain. The resulting extensive laboratory work is the likely explanation for the delay from March through July 2013.
However, the Government of New Zealand is upset because Fonterra waited two days before informing the Government, even though it knew a problem existed. The GONZ is also asking why product manufactured fourteen months ago, it has taken so long for the problem to be confirmed, and that
perhaps Fonterra should have adopted a precautionary position back in March and recalled product then.
