In Defence of Milk

New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd. is defending products sold to China two years after the 28 milk scandal, in which at least six children died and 3, were sickened from milk that contained dangerous levels of industrial chemical melamine. Mounting questions about abnormal hormone levels in several Chinese infants who demonstrated early signs of puberty have prompted Chinese milk supplier, Synutra and Fonterra’s defence. Synutra has said it has been using milk powder imported from Europe and New Zealand. Both Fonterra, which supplies milk powder to Synutra, and New Zealand authorities, issued statements earlier this month. “In New Zealand there are strict legislative controls on the use of hormonal growth promotants,” the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) said. “NZFSA is seeking clarification about the media reports from China.” Fonterra said the country’s strict controls mean the routine testing for hormones is unnecessary. “Fonterra remains 1 per cent confident about the quality of its product,” it said. Federated Farmers dairy section chairman Lachlan McKenzie said he was totally confident in the quality of New Zealand milk exports. “If there is something untoward, then it won’t be from New Zealand.”