Buttery prize
OPINION: Westland Milk may have won the contract to supply butter to Costco NZ but Open Country Dairy is having the last laugh when it comes to cashing in on NZ grass-fed butter.
Following advice late last week from the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) of the discovery by Fonterra of traces of DCD in some of their milk products, Westland Milk Products began its own testing through an independent laboratory. These tests revealed minute trades of DCD in samples produced prior to November 1, 2012. The evidence indicates that product made after November 1, 2012 is free from DCD.
"While we are assured by independent health authorities and the New Zealand Government that DCD is not a food safety risk," says Westland chief executive Rod Quin, "We are very aware that for many of our customers any residue in milk products is undesirable. Some of our customers in Asia have already requested tests for DCD following the MPI announcement last week."
As a priority, Westland is testing further in line with customer and government requirements and will report the results to customers as soon as possible.
"The best way to allay our customers' fears is with accurate information," says Quin. "We will continue to work with the New Zealand dairy industry, MPI and Government to reassure suppliers, customers and stakeholders that DCD is not harmful to human health and that every step to remedy this situation and prevent its ongoing occurrence is being taken."
Quin says only a minority of Westland's shareholders had used DCD, and that most of the application of the product occurred outside of peak milk production periods.
