The Fonterra dairy company apologized to the Chinese consumers

The CEO of the New Zealand-based Fonterra dairy company apologized to the Chinese consumers, because the company shipped contaminated products to China – the Chinese local media reported on Monday.

Theo Spierings CEO was speaking in China after it emerged on Saturday that batches of whey protein contained bacteria that can cause botulism.

Contaminated products, including infant formula, were exported to a number of countries, including China.

“We regret the distress and anxiety which this issue could have caused,'' Mr Spierings told reporters in Beijing. “Parents have the right to know that infant nutrition and other products are safe.''

He added that Fonterra was committed to China and was working with regulators to address the problem.   (MTI)