Fonterra withdraws fresh cream bottles over E. coli fears

New Zealand-based dairy exporter Fonterra is withdrawing 8,700 bottles of its fresh cream after it found the products may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

The recall includes 300ml and 500ml bottles of Anchor and Pams fresh cream featuring a best before date of 21 January 2014.

Products with batch codes, 1400684206, 1400684207, 1400684208, 1400684209, are affected in the withdrawal.

The tainted products were distributed to retail and foodservice establishments in part of the country’s North Island from Northland to Turangi, including Gisborne.

Fonterra Brands NZ managing director Peter McClure said that the voluntary recall is being done because quality tests have shown there may be the presence of E.Coli in some Anchor and Pams bottles of cream with the 21 January 2014 best before date.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience and concern this recall might cause, but food safety and quality are our top priorities," said Mr McClure.

Those who have bought the products have been advised not to eat and instead return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

The withdrawal comes just a week after French firm Danone initiated legal proceedings against Fonterra, seeking compensation for the losses it suffered following the whey protein concentrate (WPC80) botulism in 2013.

In August, a false botulism alarm by Fonterra triggered a recall of certain infant formula products in more than seven countries.