MEDIA RELEASE
3 September 2014
Independent Inquiry Welcomes Fonterra Progress
The Independent Inquiry Committee which reviewed the circumstances giving rise to the precautionary recall of whey
protein concentrate (WPC80) last year has welcomed Fonterra’s progress on implementing recommended improvements.
The Committee completed a nine-month checkpoint on Fonterra’s progress which itself was one of the Committee’s
recommendations.
Committee Chair Sir Ralph Norris said the Co-operative’s leadership had taken responsible measures to distil the
Inquiry’s recommendations into a significant programme of work.
“The Committee was unanimous in its view that Fonterra management has brought a clear focus to rectifying the areas of
weakness identified last year during the Inquiry.
“It was particularly pleasing to see evidence of the holistic and disciplined approach being taken to implementing
changes that will further strengthen the Co-operative,” said Sir Ralph.
Progress to date includes:
• 75% completion of audits of Fonterra-owned plants globally and where necessary maintenance/improvements underway
• Protocol in place for engagement of external scientific and diagnostic resources including appropriate engagement of
experts
• Food Safety and Quality written in to all senior management employment contracts
• Establishment of and fully functioning Incident Management Team
• Creation of Food Safety and Quality Council
• Appointment of Greg McCullough as Head of Food Safety and Quality
• Implementation of a quality hotline
The Committee will reconvene next year to consider a final report from Fonterra, outlining progress on initiatives
already underway and how each of the Inquiry report recommendations has been addressed.
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