Officials were working to keep them informed of the potential contamination of some products, including follow-on infant formula, made from whey protein concentrate contaminated with the bacteria that causes botulism, he said.
“As soon as NZ authorities were notified of this risk we immediately acted to inform relevant authorities around the world.
“This has included formally notifying Infosan, the World Health Organisation’s international food safety regulators network.
“As more information on this issue is confirmed we will provide our trading partners with further updates.
“We understand that the markets to which contaminated whey protein concentrate or products using this ingredient have been exported are Australia, China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Vietnam.
“NZ authorities are working with Fonterra to identify and trace all potentially affected products and then inform regulators around the world,” Groser said.