FDA launches probe after milk scare

After Dumex Thailand recalled five products on Sunday, the Food and Drug Administration has flexed its muscles to ensure the safety of dairy products.

The FDA yesterday ordered an inspection of Dumex Thailand’s manufacturing site and other products that may be using whey protein concentrate (WPC80). It also asked Fonterra, the New Zealand-based supplier of this concentrate, to provide a list of its other Thai clients. The concentrate contains a strain of Clostridium, a bacterial genus that has the potential to cause botulism.

Dumex Thailand’s production site was inspected yesterday and the FDA also collected samples for laboratory tests. According to the administration, Dumex imports about 1,000 tonnes of the problematic ingredient and 21 per cent remains unused. 

If the agency finds more questionable products, they will be promptly removed from the market, said FDA deputy chief Srinuan Korrakochakorn. She noted that this issue had prompted the agency to strengthen its oversight on dairy-product imports. A certificate of analysis may be required, she said.

Fonterra’s website shows that the global, cooperatively owned company collects 22 billion litres of milk per annum. Its products are supplied to millions of consumers in 140 countries every day, and its exports account for one-fourth of New Zealand’s total shipments. 

Last Friday, it advised regulatory authorities and customers of a quality issue involving three batches of Fonterra whey protein concentrate. 

The New Zealand dollar dropped yesterday on worries from the impact on the economy. 

While Beijing ordered recalls of some potentially tainted products, Russia yesterday imposed a ban on the imports of Fonterra products. 

“We deeply apologise to the people who have been affected,” Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings told a news conference in China, the world’s biggest market for baby formula. But he insisted that the company had informed customers and the authorities within 24 hours of confirming the contamination problem.

On the alert from Fonterra that one of its ingredients had a potential contamination issue, Dumex on Sunday recalled five products – Dupro Step 2, Hi-Q Step 1 and 2, and Hi-Q Super Gold Step 1 and 2 – which were produced between April and July. It also urged all clients who had recently purchased the products in the specified lots to contact the company.

“Dumex’ quality and food-safety management system includes rigorous testing procedures of our finished products,” it said in a statement yesterday. “None of the products tested and sold in Thailand indicate any contamination. However, given the information supplied by Fonterra, we have taken the decision to make a precautionary recall on specific products.

“We are doing everything we can to resolve this issue in close collaboration with the Thai Food and Drug Administration, as well as other relevant authorities, and are committed to providing as much information and support as possible. Dumex has not received any customer reports of illness in relation to this matter,” it said.

According to Tesco Lotus, all products in question were removed from outlets nationwide on Sunday. Some consumers also asked it for further information. 

A similar action was exercised at Big C Supercenter. Kudatara Nagaviroj, director of corporate affairs, said that by yesterday, the recalled powdered milk had been secured for Dumex’ collection. 

Big C also promises to work closely with the FDA and Dumex to monitor the situation and take all actions to guarantee consumers’ safety. 

Hotline centres: FDA 1556 and Dumex Careline 02-740-3400 or 02-740-3333.