Fonterra products in Qatar safe: SCH

Fonterra products available in the Qatari market are free from the harmful bacteria that causes botulism, a statement by  the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) yesterday said.

“Test results of the samples taken from the Qatari market have shown that these products are particularly free from Clostridium Botulinum toxin. The products of this company are still under surveillance at all border posts of the country until further notice,” the communique said.

New Zealand-based dairy giant Fonterra is a global leader in dairy nutrition and the leading supplier of dairy ingredients to many of the world’s leading food companies.

“A circular has been issued to all ports of the country to take samples of any cargo of such products.  Qatar is also in touch with neighbouring countries round the clock in this regard,” the SCH release said.

Meanwhile, tests conducted in the laboratory of Qatar’s  Municipal Affairs have confirmed that Gain Plus IQ (from 1-3 years)  does not contain the bacteria associated with the Fonterra whey protein concentrate, a spokesman for Abbott, the manufacturer of the infant formula yesterday said  .

“Gain Plus IQ from 1-3 years, manufactured in an Abbott facility in Ireland, is safe to consume and is back on the shelves . Abbott product in Qatar is not impacted by the Fonterra whey protein concentrate quality issue,” the statement said.

“Parents and healthcare professionals can be assured that all Abbott products including infant formula in Qatar are safe to consume, are of the highest quality and comply with rigorous safety standards,” the statement added.

Qatari authorities had briefly removed Gain Plus IQ and similar products from the market for tests following reports that a batch of whey protein concentrate made by Fonterra is contaminated by the bacteria that causes botulism. Fonterra products are major ingredients in many of the food products made around the world.

Meanwhile, reports in a section of the local media said Qatar has lifted the ban slapped on infant formula Similac Gain Plus following revelations that some batches had been found contaminated in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

After media reports of contamination trickled in from several countries, an extensive market survey was launched by the local civic and health authorities  and samples of baby food were collected for laboratory tests, sources said.

Fonterra Middle East and Africa had earlier said all of its popular products in Qatar, including Anchor, Anlene and Chesdale, were 100% safe for consumption and were not affected by the WPC80 quality issue announced by the dairy co-operative on  August 3, 2013.

The farmer-owned New Zealand dairy co-operative is the largest processor of milk in the world, producing more than 2mn tonnes of dairy ingredients, value added dairy ingredients, specialty ingredients and consumer products every year.