28 August 2013
Fonterra Seeks Urgent Clarification From MPI in Response to Growing Market Rumours
Fonterra has today made a formal and urgent request to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to release initial
results received from additional testing that was commissioned by MPI following Fonterra’s precautionary recall earlier
this month.
Fonterra’s request is in response to growing speculation in New Zealand and overseas that the new round of tests
commissioned by MPI after Fonterra’s global recall show negative results for Clostridium botulinum.
Chief Executive Theo Spierings said, “There is too much at stake for New Zealand, its exporters, Fonterra, its
customers, and consumers for MPI to delay if there is any foundation to the rumours.”
Mr Spierings said that as a result of Fonterra’s precautionary recall, there is still uncertainty in a number of
markets, and product remains held at some borders. He added that any new information has a potential major economic
impact.
“MPI has confirmed to us that it has received preliminary results from the additional testing it commissioned.
“We are now asking MPI to provide immediate clarification on the test results they have received to date to ensure that
markets and stakeholders can be informed,” he said.
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