Fonterra denies contamination risk

A chemical that New Zealand farmers apply to pastures to prevent nitrate pollution has shown up in milk powder exported by Fonterra.

The country’s giant dairy co-op has admitted the contamination with minute traces in some products, but said it does not pose a food safety risk.

The world’s largest dairy exporter said none of its goods have been recalled or blocked, and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has said the country’s dairy products are safe.

”A person would have to drink an amount equivalent to a swimming pool to be in any risk from the chemical,” said the Prime Minister.

However, the country’s Ministry of Primary Industries said sales of fertiliser containing the contaminant, dicyandiamide (DCD), have been suspended.

There are no international safety limits for DCD, but Fonterra said levels found are about 100 times lower than European food safety limits.

The Ministry said DCD was used only by about 500 of the country’s 12,000 dairy farmers.

Local Government New Zealand expressed concern at the suspension of DCD, which is intended to help minimise the environmental footprint of farms by improving water quality and reducing greenhouse gas liabilities.

It reduces nitrogen leaching and boosts grass growth.