Fonterra Issues Voluntary Recall Of Anchor And Pams Fresh Cream
ByThe New Zealand-based Fonterra issued a voluntary recall on Monday on products distributed in the country that over fears that they may be contaminated with the E.Coli bacteria, Reuters reported.
In its second food-safety scare in less than six months, the dairy giant said it was recalling 8,700 bottles of Anchor and Pams fresh cream with a "best before date" of Jan. 21, 2014 that were distributed to retail and food service outlets in the North Island.
"We are sorry for the inconvenience and concern this recall might cause but food safety and quality are our top priorities," Peter McClure, managing director of the company said in a statement.
The recall of the fresh cream marketed was issued after regular testing at its Takanini site in Auckland have shown that the cream manufactured last Monday had high levels of coliform, a bacteria found in the "intestines of warm-blooded animals, along with plants, soil, air and water that can indicate the possible presence of E.Coli."
Further testing proved that there was an E.Coli contamination.
"A small amount of the product had gone on to the market, but the rest of the product we immediately put on hold and today we decided to recall the products on the market, based on the further testing" McClure told Reuters.
The voluntary recall comes after they dairy processor triggered recalls in Asian countries including China when they announced in August that one of the ingredients used in infant milk formula, sports drinks and other products contained a potentially fatal bacteria, Reuters reported.
The initial finding was proven to be a false alarm.
McClure said the company received no reports of illness caused by consuming the affected product so far. He added that it was unlikely that other products manufactured at the sight were at risk of contamination.