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.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has added its perspective to numerous primary sector voices urging the Government to strengthen its draft legislation to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA).
The Commerce Commission has finalised new information disclosure requirements for local councils and water organisations that deliver water supply and wastewater services.
Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) is calling for significant changes to the Government’s reforms to the Resource Management Act (RMA).
NZPork says the Government needs to strengthen its proposed planning laws to ensure New Zealand's pig farmers can continue to produce pork.
Good news for kiwifruit growers - a record crop with forecast per hectare returns at record levels for all fruit categories for the 2025-26 season.
As guests gathered on what is known as the Speaker's Lawn - a beautifully manicured patch of grass behind the main buildings of Parliament - to mingle and enjoy a lamb chop to celebrate National Lamb Day, the mood was very much upbeat.
OPINION: Staying with politics, with less than nine months to go before the general elections, there’s confusion in the Labour…
OPINION: Winston Peters' tirade against the free trade deal stitched with India may not be all political posturing by the…