Formula goes sour
OPINION: Media reports say global recalls tied to cereulide toxin contamination in milk-based nutrition brands could inflict combined financial losses exceeding $1 billion.
THE a2 Milk Company (a2MC) has achieved approval from regulatory agencies in China to resume shipments of its a2 Platinum infant formula.
Notification of the successful inclusion of a2 branded products imported by its distributor China State Farm Shanghai was received from China General Administration for quality inspection and
quarantine (AQSIQ) with the publishing of the updated AQSIQ Imported Brand List.
a2MC sought registration directly in association with Synlait Milk, its a2 Platinum infant formula processing and manufacturing partner, and Synlait Milk's interim contract provider, Auckland-based New Zealand New Milk Ltd.
New Milk early this month achieved manufacturer registration with Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China (CNCA) as an overseas manufacturer of infant formula.
Synlait Milk is expected to achieve the same registration following the approval of its Risk Management Plan by the Ministry for Primary Industries.
a2MC managing director Geoffrey Babidge says: "Registration will provide an important confidence boost for our distribution partner China State Farm and its sub distributors in our target markets in China.
"The market development programme paused while the registration process was progressing
and can now be reactivated together with new communication initiatives".
The company remains confident it has the systems in place to fulfil the ongoing criteria of China's regulatory agencies relating to the production, importation and distribution of a2 Platinum infant formula.
Prior to the May 1, 2014 implementation date for the new regulations, a2MC had positioned product in China to meet expected consumer demand until the next scheduled shipment arrived.
The regulatory changes affecting China have not impacted the production of a2 Platinum infant
formula for sale in other markets, including Australia and New Zealand.
a2MC says the company's financial results for the 12 months ended June 30,
2014 will be released during the week starting August 25, 2014.
Dougal Morrison has been elected as the new President of the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA).
Perrin Ag has appointed Vicky Ferris as its new Hawke's Bay consultant.
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society is encouraging teachers to register school groups for the 2026 National Fieldays, set to be held at Mystery Creek Events Centre from 10-13 June.
The appointment of Richard Allen as Fonterra's new chief executive signals execution, not strategy, according to agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
Potatoes New Zealand has become much more than a grower body, according to Pukekohe grower Bharat Bhana.
The country's kiwifruit growers seem to have escaped much of the predicted wrath of Cyclone Vaianu which hit the east coast of the North Island this month.
OPINION: Reckless action by Greenpeace in 2024 forced Fonterra to shut down a drying plant for four hours, costing the co-op…
OPINION: The global crusade against fossil fuel is gaining momentum in some regions.