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What was the contamination incident?

The incident in 2013 came from the suspected contamination of whey protein concentrate (WPC) with Clostridium botulinum. After extensive tracking and a precautionary recall, MPI was able to establish that no products had been contaminated.

A Government inquiry was launched into the incident, in particular, to find how the potentially contaminated WPC entered the New Zealand and international market and how the problem was addressed.

The Inquiry was headed by Miriam Dean CNZM QC, assisted by Tony Nowell CNZM and Dr Anne Astin PSM. It was independently peer reviewed by Professor Alan Reilly, who heads the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

Read the Inquiry's reports on the Department of Internal Affairs website

MPI information release

In recognition of the public's interest in the incident, MPI released a package of information to supplement the inquiry's report and the Government's response.

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