Contaminated whey powder exported from New Zealand sparks botulism fear, AUSTRALIAN authorities say no products made from a contaminated dairy ingredient exported from New Zealand have tested positive to a potentially deadly bacteria.
Parents in NZ have been urged to stop using two batches of Nutricia Karicare baby formula amid fears it could be contaminated by the toxic bacteria that can cause botulism.
Fonterra announced on Saturday that several batches of infant formula were made using contaminated whey powder.
NZ Trade Minister Tim Groser confirmed the powder had been exported to Australia.
The products are being recalled in NZ but in a statement issued early yesterday, Nutricia said products sold in Australia weren't affected.
Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) said it's understood the whey protein concentrate was exported to make a range of dairy products.
The department says products made from the powder have been tested and none were found to contain the Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
"The Australian government, through DAFF and Food Standards Australia New Zealand, is working closely with New Zealand authorities to identify any food safety implications for consumers in Australia,'' the department said in a statement.
Three batches of whey protein concentrate manufactured at Fonterra's Hautapu plant in Waikato were contaminated by an unsanitary pipe last year.
It tested positive for Clostridium botulinum on July 31 and Fonterra notified NZ authorities on Friday.
Symptoms of botulism include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, followed by paralysis, and can be fatal if not treated.
The batches of whey product were used to form 870 tonnes of products sold in a variety of markets, including Australia, China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Parents in NZ have been urged to stop using two batches of Nutricia Karicare baby formula amid fears it could be contaminated by the toxic bacteria that can cause botulism.
Fonterra announced on Saturday that several batches of infant formula were made using contaminated whey powder.
NZ Trade Minister Tim Groser confirmed the powder had been exported to Australia.
The products are being recalled in NZ but in a statement issued early yesterday, Nutricia said products sold in Australia weren't affected.
Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) said it's understood the whey protein concentrate was exported to make a range of dairy products.
The department says products made from the powder have been tested and none were found to contain the Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
"The Australian government, through DAFF and Food Standards Australia New Zealand, is working closely with New Zealand authorities to identify any food safety implications for consumers in Australia,'' the department said in a statement.
Three batches of whey protein concentrate manufactured at Fonterra's Hautapu plant in Waikato were contaminated by an unsanitary pipe last year.
It tested positive for Clostridium botulinum on July 31 and Fonterra notified NZ authorities on Friday.
Symptoms of botulism include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, followed by paralysis, and can be fatal if not treated.
The batches of whey product were used to form 870 tonnes of products sold in a variety of markets, including Australia, China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Vietnam.
