New Zealand claims exports of dairy products to China have rebounded

On November 14th, New Zealand’s Minister of Economic Development, Steven Joyce, who is visiting Beijing, told this newspaper that after experiencing the Fonterra incident this summer, New Zealand’s dairy products exported to China have recovered and exceeded this incident. Before the occurrence of trade levels.

According to New Zealand’s official statistics, New Zealand exported a total of NZ$ 3.5 billion of dairy products, including infant formula, to China during the first 12 months of September 2013. This figure is comparable to the same period of the previous year. An increase of 28.6%.

China is New Zealand’s largest dairy export market, and 70% of Chinese dairy imports originate in New Zealand.

In August of this year, New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra reported to the New Zealand government that Botox was detected in three batches of concentrated whey protein produced as a raw material to produce infant formula milk, beverages and other products. Some have been exported to overseas markets such as China. The New Zealand government subsequently issued an early warning to consumers and China temporarily suspended the import of Fonterra-related whey protein powder and concentrated whey protein products from New Zealand.

But this "poison milk" incident eventually proved to be an oolong. The New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries announced at the end of August that after retesting the relevant samples, they did not find that they contained pathogenic botulism, but instead contained Clostridium botulinum that would normally not cause food safety problems. Before reaching this conclusion, the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industry conducted 195 tests in the United States and New Zealand.

"In August this year, we saw some decline in trade volume, but since then we have regained the momentum of growth. We have now returned to the level before the incident." Joyce told the newspaper. He said that New Zealand does not believe that this incident has brought a big impact on bilateral trade.

He emphasized that the final test confirmed that there was no contamination with Botox. "We took precautionary measures after the initial inspection report came out. This is a measure that consumers may take if they are at risk, in order to ensure the safety of consumers." Joyce said, "We are for consumers." It needs to remain open and transparent."

Although this preventive measure once caused the reputation of New Zealand dairy products to be damaged and consumer confidence was affected, Joyce said: “We think this is necessary and correct way. Our point of view is to consumers. It is completely open and transparent. Only in this way can we win the trust of consumers.” He believes that it is this preventive measure that confirms the safety of the New Zealand food system and that consumers will restore confidence in New Zealand products.

After Fonterra notified the pollution incident, the New Zealand government launched two investigations on Fonterra. Although the subsequent test results showed that there was no botulism, the investigation conducted by the government continued. The New Zealand government hopes to clarify the whole story. Joyce revealed that the two investigations initiated by the government are expected to end before the end of this year.

At the end of October this year, an independent investigation commission commissioned by Fonterra's board of directors has completed an investigation report on the misrepresentation of pollution. According to the report, consumers will not be exposed to the risk of botulism, but Fonterra still has something to improve in the production process and responding to false positives. The investigation committee has put forward 33 suggestions for rectification.