2 May 2014

Changes needed at formula plants

8:01 am on 2 May 2014

The Government has released more information on why nearly all of New Zealand's infant formula manufacturers failed a Chinese audit carried out in March.

A week ago China announced 12 out of 13 of the New Zealand manufacturers it inspected were not up to scratch and would not meet its tough new standards.

Only Auckland's GMP Dairy passed the initial Chinese audit.

However, when the new standards took effect on Thursday, four other formula manufacturers, and three manufacturers of ingredients used in formulas, including Fonterra, had fixed the deficiencies at their plants and China registered them for export.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said the Chinese audit identified a range of issues.

"One of the examples was a dirty keyboard, ventilation control system, chemical labelling, I think there was an example of a workplace bench needed to be upgraded, so we're talking minor to moderate corrective actions and that's been supplied through to Chinese officials."