Export Speaker
Fonterra's Bob Major
(posted April 2010)
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Bob Major is a quietly spoken man, but his words echoed real
meaning recently, as he related his experiences as the Head of
Fonterras’ operation in China, during the 2008 San Lu milk powder
scandal. |
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Around 100 guests attended a dinner in Invercargill, organised
by the Southland Export Forum, The NZ China Trade Assn (NZCTA) and
HSBC Bank.
Also present at the event was Tony Browne, the NZ Ambassador in
Beijing, during the San Lu Milk contamination crisis.
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Tony’s perspective on how the details of the poisoning scandal
unfolded, both here and in China were revealing.
He also explained for the benefit of potent exporters, the cultural
and political differences between our two trading nations. |
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Bob Major openly discussed details of how the powder came to be
contaminated and the issues and consequences that followed, which
included the dumping of thousands of tons of potentially deadly
milk powder.
The reported Melamine contaminate, was a by-product of other
industry which is commonly used in “bulk out” food products in some
countries.
In the case of the San Lu Milk Powder though, the inclusion of a
second bulking agent formed a lethal combination… the result was in
some cases the rapid formation of kidney stones in some infants and
in extreme instances, the reported deaths and sicknesses of some
children.
Along with the keynote speakers of the evening, there was also
input fromThe Chair of the NZCTA Stuart Ferguson and Gavin Howarth
of HSBC Bank.
who delivered a futher insight to dealing safely
and confidently in a market where challenges and vast opportunities
are around every corner.
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