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- Release Date: 13/03/14 11:43
- Summary: GENERAL: FSF: Fonterra Accepts MPI Charges
- Price Sensitive: No
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FSF
13/03/2014 09:43
GENERAL
REL: 0943 HRS Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)
GENERAL: FSF: Fonterra Accepts MPI Charges
Fonterra Limited (Fonterra), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fonterra
Co-operative Group Limited, accepts the charges arising from the Ministry for
Primary Industries' (MPI) investigation into events leading up to the
precautionary whey protein concentrate (WPC80) recall last year.
It was subsequently confirmed that the recalled WPC80 did not present a
health risk.
MPI examined whether Fonterra had complied with all its food safety and
quality obligations, under New Zealand's Food Act and Animal Products Act in
connection with the events leading to the precautionary recall.
MPI has filed four charges against Fonterra Limited relating to breaches of
the Animal Products Act.
Fonterra's Managing Director People, Culture and Strategy Maury Leyland said
Fonterra had co-operated fully with MPI throughout its investigation, and
accepts responsibility for the allegations made in the charges.
"We have accepted all four charges, which are consistent with the findings of
our Operational Review, and the Independent Board Inquiry.
"We have previously detailed issues relating to the decision to reprocess the
original WPC80, and being slow about escalating information - which are
reflected in the charges laid by MPI.
"Food quality and safety remain our top priority, and are fundamental to our
business. New Zealand's dairy food production and safety systems have been
affirmed by both the Board and Government inquiries as being as safe as any
in the world.
"The WPC80 event caused us to examine in detail what happened, why it
happened, and what we must do to minimise the risk of it ever happening
again.
"We are making good progress on implementing the necessary improvements the
Operational Review and Independent Board Inquiry identified.
"We are also working with the Government to progress all the recommendations
of its review of New Zealand's dairy food safety regulatory framework,
undertaken last year.
"Our customers and consumers need to know that New Zealand's food quality and
safety regulations are being robustly applied by food manufacturers and
enforced by New Zealand authorities.
"Fonterra is committed to complying with New Zealand's food safety and
quality regulations, and being held accountable if it does not," said Ms
Leyland.
End CA:00248138 For:FSF Type:GENERAL Time:2014-03-13 09:43:33
