New Zealand launches probe into dubious infant formula bound for China

New Zealand's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is investigating an Auckland company that is apparently sending New Zealand-branded infant formula to China, the New Zealand Press Association (NZPA) reported Monday.

Heitiki was promoted by Kiaora New Zealand International, which had a registered office in Auckland, stated the report.

On its internet site it said that it specialized in good quality infant and dairy items, mentioned the NZPA report.

Heitiki tins are clearly branded as being from New Zealand, featuring a Maori lady on the label and stating the formula was " for super gene", despite the fact that it was not clear exactly where the items were created, stated the report.

Kiaora's sole director was Tianxi Shao, but the firm was not answering calls, stated the report.

MAF director of compliance Geoff Allen told NZPA the ministry was going to Kiaora's premises Monday.

If it was exporting infant formula, it would need to be a registered exporter and if it was manufacturing formula in New Zealand it would have to meet more specifications, he said.

Kiaora was not on MAF's list of registered dairy exporters and its site went offline Monday afternoon.

Maori Party co-leader and Member of Parliament Tariana Turia final week mentioned she was initially alarmed in the association of food having a Maori cultural icon -- "heitiki" is Maori carved jewellery -- but that further investigation had created her question the product itself.

"Upon additional investigation it seems there might be other good reasons to question areas for example food safety, or compliance with customer quality standards," Turia said.

The New Zealand Food and Grocery Council Monday backed her queries, and known as for a complete investigation by regulators.

Chief executive Katherine Rich told NZPA infant formula was an extremely essential export and also the council was skeptical from the organization 's internet site claims when it was not sold on New Zealand shelves.

"Authorities definitely have to preserve a close eye on start-up infant formula firms, particularly those advertising into China, which might attempt to trade on New Zealand's positive image," mentioned Rich.

"Just recently there have been instances of Chinese firms attempting to create brands and copy products to align themselves with New Zealand's good reputation. Some organizations have even deliberately copied New Zealand branded infant formula goods, hijacked trade names and replicated web sites," she told NZPA.

Wealthy mentioned the council would highlight some of Kiaora's claims, such as the organization saying it was "dedicated to sourcing and providing Kiwi mums together with the very best and healthiest infant formula accessible," that "many NZ parents are utilizing Kiaora infant formula" and that its goods "have become the new standard in New Zealand."

"This is a complete surprise to our members. It really is difficult to fathom how Heitiki is the 'new standard' when scan data shows New Zealand and Australian supermarkets usually do not sell the product whatsoever. "

Heitiki prices -- with some tins as much as 169 NZ dollars (138 U.S. dollars) -- had been exorbitant when compared to comparable merchandise obtainable in New Zealand supermarkets ranging in price from 18 to 25 NZ dollars a tin, she said.

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