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China bans New Zealand milk powder in botulism scare | China bans New Zealand milk powder in botulism scare |
(about 14 hours later) | |
China has banned all imports of milk powder from New Zealand, after its main dairy exporter, Fonterra, found in some of its products a strain of bacteria that can cause botulism. | China has banned all imports of milk powder from New Zealand, after its main dairy exporter, Fonterra, found in some of its products a strain of bacteria that can cause botulism. |
China relies on New Zealand for almost all its imports of milk powder. | China relies on New Zealand for almost all its imports of milk powder. |
Imports are highly prized in China after a tainted milk formula scandal in 2008 killed six babies and made some 300,000 infants sick. | Imports are highly prized in China after a tainted milk formula scandal in 2008 killed six babies and made some 300,000 infants sick. |
New Zealand's trade minister described Beijing's decision as "appropriate". | New Zealand's trade minister described Beijing's decision as "appropriate". |
Fonterra's announcement that it had found the contamination led to a global recall of up to 1,000 tonnes of dairy products across seven countries, including China. | Fonterra's announcement that it had found the contamination led to a global recall of up to 1,000 tonnes of dairy products across seven countries, including China. |
The potentially tainted products included infant milk formula, sports drinks, protein drinks and other beverages. | The potentially tainted products included infant milk formula, sports drinks, protein drinks and other beverages. |
Botulism is one of the most dangerous forms of food poisoning, often leading to paralysis. | Botulism is one of the most dangerous forms of food poisoning, often leading to paralysis. |
The bacteria was found in three batches of Fonterra's whey protein used in infants' Nutricia Karicare follow-on formula, Fonterra said. | The bacteria was found in three batches of Fonterra's whey protein used in infants' Nutricia Karicare follow-on formula, Fonterra said. |
Nearly 80% of dairy products imported by China come from New Zealand, according to state media. | Nearly 80% of dairy products imported by China come from New Zealand, according to state media. |
Any prolonged ban of imports could well lead to a dairy shortage in China, the BBC's Martin Patience reports from Beijing. | Any prolonged ban of imports could well lead to a dairy shortage in China, the BBC's Martin Patience reports from Beijing. |
'Blanket protection' | 'Blanket protection' |
New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser said China's action was "entirely appropriate". | New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser said China's action was "entirely appropriate". |
"It's better to do blanket protection for your people then wind it back when we, our authorities, are in a position to give them the confidence and advice that they need." | "It's better to do blanket protection for your people then wind it back when we, our authorities, are in a position to give them the confidence and advice that they need." |
The Chinese authorities named four domestic companies that have imported potentially contaminated products from New Zealand. According to state media, these companies have begun a recall. | The Chinese authorities named four domestic companies that have imported potentially contaminated products from New Zealand. According to state media, these companies have begun a recall. |
The whey product was produced in May 2012, with a dirty pipe at one of Fonterra's processing plants in Waikato responsible for the contamination, the company said. | The whey product was produced in May 2012, with a dirty pipe at one of Fonterra's processing plants in Waikato responsible for the contamination, the company said. |
Fonterra - the fourth largest dairy company in the world - said it had urged its customers to urgently check their supply chains. | |
The countries affected besides New Zealand and China include Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. | The countries affected besides New Zealand and China include Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. |
Russia is also reported to have begun a recall of Fonterra products. | Russia is also reported to have begun a recall of Fonterra products. |
Fonterra said there had been no reports of any illness linked to the affected whey product. | Fonterra said there had been no reports of any illness linked to the affected whey product. |
The dairy industry powers New Zealand's economy, with the country exporting up to 95% of its milk. | The dairy industry powers New Zealand's economy, with the country exporting up to 95% of its milk. |