Another Recall Hits New Zealand’s Fonterra Over E. Coli Bacteria in Fresh Cream Under Anchor Brand

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The nightmare that happened to New Zealand's largest company, Fonterra, in mid-2013 is recurring again on the first month of 2014. The dairy firm recalled on Monday 8,700 bottles of fresh cream sold under the Anchor brand over fears of E. Coli bacteria contamination.

The recalled items have a "best before Jan 21, 2014" label and were distributed throughout Fonterra's retail and food service stores across North Island, from Northland to Turangi, including Gisborne.

Included in the recall are cream sold under Pams brand, which is owned by the Foodstuffs distributor and retailer.

The second round of recall came after a botulism scare hit Fonterra's products in August due to contaminated whey-protein concentrate used in infant milk formula, sports drinks and other products, although later tests said the organism was not harmful.

The first recall caused distrust in New Zealand export in China where the bulk of the recalled products were shipped.

Fonterra initiated another recall on Monday after regular testing at the dairy's Takanini facility in Auckland found high levels of coliform on the cream. Coliform is a bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, which is an indicator of the possible presence of E. Coli.

Although most strains of E. Coli are not harmful, some produce toxins that causes loose bowel movement, urinary tract infection and even kidney damage. Further test confirmed E. Coli contamination on the cream products.

Peter McClure, managing director of Fonterra Brands NZ, said, quoted by Reuters, "A small amount of the product had gone on to the market, but the rest of the product we immediately put on hold and today we decided to recall the products on the market, based on further testing."

"We are sorry for the inconvenience and concern this recall might cause but food safety and quality are our top priorities," he added.

Last week, the French firm Danone severed business ties and filed a lawsuit against Fonterra over the New Zealand dairy giant's recall of infant formula brands in Asia, including New Zealand and China, which affected Danone's profitability.