Cream recall shows system works

Fonterra initiated a voluntary recall of certain batches 300ml and 500ml bottles of Anchor and Pams fresh cream, sold in the upper North Island with a best-before date of January 21.

"While the timing is far from ideal given what went on last year, this is a voluntary recall initiated by Fonterra's own testing," says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers Dairy chairperson.

"I hope it shows our consumers that a company owned by thousands of Kiwi farmers does put food safety first. It should also tell our consumers that when a Fonterra owned brand is on the shelf, someone back at Fonterra is testing it to ensure it remains safe to consume.

"When testing does find a problem then no matter what the product is, or the timing, a voluntary recall is completely justified.

"It also shows that traceability is working because the coop has zeroed in on the batches involved and locations they were sold in.

"I must say this is a fairly rare event for the cooperative but does generate a lot of media once Fonterra's name is invoked. The key thing I hope gets reported is that Fonterra's own testing led to this voluntary recall.

"To me that shows the coop is a responsive and responsible processor of food," Leferink says.