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

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