NZ milk firms seek to restore reputations in China

SHANGHAI -- The New Zealand Infant Formula Exporters Association (NZIFEA) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Certification and Inspection Group in order to protect the country of origin label and ensure formula quality.

New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra was involved in a contaminated infant formula scandal in China in August. While no infants were reported to have fallen ill after consuming the tainted product, the scandal hurt the reputation of foreign infant formula among the public.

Michael Barnett, chairman of the NZIFEA, said New Zealand milk products suffered a sales reduction in China after the scandal.

He said the association will work with Chinese officials to ensure that New Zealand-labeled infant formula sold in China is from New Zealand and is safe for mothers and babies.

Currently, the NZIFEA has 20 members, including big formula brands from the country. Representatives of member businesses visited China on Monday and Tuesday in order to seek ways to restore brand reputation and further expand consumer markets in China.

Statistics show 132,000 tons of milk products were imported from New Zealand in Shanghai Customs District in the first seven months of this year, accounting for 41.7 percent of total imported milk products, up 1.6 percent year on year.