Fonterra’s dairy supplies should be stopped until advised otherwise

Supplies to Russia of powdered milk produced by New Zealand’s Fonterra should be stopped until advised otherwise, Head of the Russian Dairy Organisation, Soyuzmoloko, Andrei Danilenko said in an interview with Itar-Tass on Saturday. He commented on China’s decision to revoke from shops all products of the New Zealand company due to the risk of botulism, and explained a ban would be helpful anyway, so that to analyse the situation and to eliminate any risks for Russian consumers. The expert said Fonterra is Russia’s second largest supplier of powdered milk after Belarus, with the share of about 10-20 percent. Russia’s share of imported dairy reaches 40 percent. The share of powdered milk in imported dairy products in Russia makes about 20 percent. Fonterra’s powdered milk of traditionally high quality has been used in Russia actively for production of children’s nutrition. “The idea is that imported products are the best is false, and we should control their quality and security with the care we use for Russian-made products,” Danilenko said. On Saturday, China revoked Fonterra’s all products, as they may contain bacteria of botulism. The information had arrived from the producer itself as it recommended the company’s eight contractors, including three in China, to check the imported product. Reports from Wellington say affected may be about one tonne of products.