Damien O’Connor
Primary Industries Spokesperson
19 August 2013
Nitrate detection a warning for all producers
The cancellation of export certificates for Westland Milk Products shows the extra scrutiny New Zealand goods are under
following Fonterra’s botulism scare, Labour’s Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor says.
“This is a reminder for every dairy company and food exporter that the eyes of the world are looking closely at New
Zealand’s products.
“It comes just weeks after contaminated baby formula made in New Zealand created international headlines. It is terrible
timing when New Zealand’s reputation is already on the line.”
Damien O’Connor says any possible nitrate contamination at the Hokitika factory is a major concern.
“We have to acknowledge the quick work of the Ministry for Primary Industries. The Ministry must now get to the bottom
of how the contamination occurred.
“The public must be assured New Zealand products are being tested to the highest standards and accurate beyond
challenge.
“Once again the self-regulation model needs to be reassessed and government certification backed up by close government
oversight of all our food production systems,” Damien O’Connor says.
ENDS