3 Nov 2013

Minister to meet formula firms over botulism scare

9:46 am on 3 November 2013

Foreign Affairs minister Murray McCully plans to meet with small manufacturers of infant formula who feel they have been given little support to help them recover from Fonterra's botulism scare.

The threat of botulism in whey protein sparked product recalls around the world but turned out to be a false alarm.

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Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

The New Zealand Infant Formula Exporters Association says even though many of its members do not use Fonterra whey protein, their connection to New Zealand meant their products were taken off the shelves in their biggest market, China.

Marco Marinkovich says manufacturers like his firm Kiwi Milk have received little help from the Government as they try to restore their reputation.

Mr McCully says he was disturbed to hear about the concerns and the Government is doing every thing it can to help the recovery.

The Government has established a $2 million fund to help companies affected by the scare rebuild their reputation and previous market share.