NZ Food Safety confirms no contaminated formula or ingredients entered local supply chains.
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has confirmed that none of the infant formula involved in a global recall linked to possible cereulide contamination has been imported into New Zealand or manufactured domestically. The recall affects selected batches produced overseas by major multinational dairy companies, but authorities say the implicated products and ingredients are absent from the New Zealand market.
The international recall involves infant formula from Danone, Lactalis and Nestlé, following the detection of cereulide, a toxin, in Arachidonic Acid (ARA) oil used as an ingredient. The ARA oil was sourced from a supplier widely reported to be Cabio Biotech, based in Wuhan, China. French regulators are investigating potential links between the affected formula and the deaths of two infants.
Market reaction has been swift, with Danone and Nestlé shares falling amid the evolving situation. Danone’s stock declined from around €73 in late January to approximately €66, while Nestlé’s shares are down nearly 14% over the past month. Analysts note that reputational risks could weigh on affected brands, although the geographic scope of manufacturing impacts remains concentrated mainly in Europe, with reports extending to parts of Asia.
Despite this, New Zealand-based operations of Danone and Lactalis remain unaffected. Danone Nutricia operates manufacturing facilities in Balclutha and Auckland, supported by more than 20 local farms, and generated nearly $592 million in revenue in 2024. NZFS stressed that the ingredient suspected of contamination is not used by New Zealand infant formula manufacturers, reinforcing the country’s strong biosecurity and food safety systems.
Financial analysts at Forsyth Barr said that, based on current information, companies such as The a2 Milk Company appear insulated from direct impacts. While Cabio Biotech lists several global dairy firms, including Synlait Milk, as customers, analysts highlighted that multiple ARA suppliers are commonly used and that not all Cabio-linked manufacturers are part of the recall. NZFS continues to monitor international developments and remains in contact with domestic producers.
Source: BusinessDesk – Infant formula recall: No contaminated products imported into NZ, NZ Food Safety says
https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/primary-sector/infant-formula-recall-no-contaminated-products-imported-into-nz-nz-food-safety-says
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