Dairy giant Fonterra has been fined $280,177 after last year’s botulism scare.
The company embarked on a mass product recall after it was feared whey protein was contaminated with a botulism-causing bacteria. Further testing confirmed the bacteria did not present a health risk but judge Peter Hoggs, who handed down the fine, said Fonterra needed to be held to account for the impact of the scare on New Zealand’s reputation, The Australian reports.
Hoggs accepted the scare was not a result of deliberate action, but said Fonterra “could and should have done better.”
Fonterra faced charges for:
· not processing dairy product in accordance with its risk management program
· exporting product that didn’t meet animal product standards and
· failing to notify its verifier and director-general as soon as possible that the product was not processed correctly and not fit for its intended purpose.
Danone, the company which used the whey protein for its infant formula is suing Fonterra for losses, claiming the scare cost it over $527 million.
In January Fonterra experienced another food safety scare, conducting a voluntary recall of its 300mL and 500mL Anchor and Pams fresh cream, after tests showed E.Coli may be present. The recall affected 8,700 bottles of cream distributed in New Zealand’s North Island to retail and foodservice outlets.