increase font size
THE FINAL report from the independent inquiry into Fonterra's false botulism scare has found shortcomings in the co-op's traceability system and crisis management.
The report also finds that the Ministry of Primary Industries did not have a coherent crisis plan for a food incident. Both MPI and Fonterra have acknowledged the findings.
The inquiry team was headed by Miriam Dean QC and assisted by Tony Nowell and Dr Anne Astin; Professor Alan Reilly was an independent peer reviewer.
Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings says food safety and quality are its number one priority.
"At the time of the recall, we did what was right based on the evidence we had. It was subsequently confirmed that the recalled WPC80 did not present a health risk," says Spierings.
But the report notes that having notified MPI, Fonterra had "no well-prepared (or reviewed or rehearsed) group crisis plan to implement, including crisis communications (particularly in social media)".
Fonterra took until 18 August to trace all the affected products, "a seriously deficient effort", it says.
"Fonterra did not effectively co-ordinate its actions with those of the ministry, Danone, and the Government during the crisis.
"Fonterra's communications were neither well conceived nor co-ordinated and lacked a tone that encouraged consumer trust and loyalty."
It says MPI had no single, coherent crisis plan for a food incident that it could implement straight away after receiving notification of C. botulinum.
It notes that the ministry's response was hampered by Fonterra's late notification overstating the certainty of C. botulinum and by Fonterra's drawn-out and deficient tracing.
The report gives MPI credit for many aspects of its response, "but it should have had better-documented decision-making processes, used more rigorous science-based risk assessment, and co-ordinated better with the industry to avoid unnecessary confusion among consumers and others".
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says the report is a "very robust piece of analysis."
"The rigour and conclusions of the report, as well as the actions of key players since the incident, should further strengthen confidence in New Zealand's world class food safety system," says Guy.
A Māori-owned agribusiness helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sectors wants more industry support.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
As part of preparing for a potential IPO in relation to the divestment process for its global Consumer business and integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Sri Lanka, Fonterra has named Anne Templeman-Jones as chair-elect of the Audit and Risk Committee for the Mainland Group board.
Fonterra says it takes the ongoing threat of 'adverse cyber action' extremely seriously.
Despite the turmoil in global markets, Fonterra is continuing with a dual track process to divest its multi-billion dollars consumer businesses.
Business Advisors and Accountants (BFA) and Craigs Investment Partners will be hosting an event later this month where they will take a deeper look at the practical and emotional side of succession planning.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says the Government needs to close loopholes in the guidance around limits on carbon forestry as news of further whole-farm sales emerges.
Sales of premium brand Envy apples are booming in Taiwan.
Sheep milk powder and products exporter Maui Milk is partnering with one of China’s biggest dairy players to boost its market presence.
Ngai Tahu's legal action seeking self-determination (rangatiratanga) over fresh water could have huge implications for the future of farming, the viability of farming businesses, and our wider rural communities, says Federated Farmers national vice president Colin Hurst.
A Māori-owned agribusiness helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sectors wants more industry support.
