Fonterra’s fears over toxic milk

A Chinese firm accused of selling milk powder that has reportedly left at least three babies dead and more than 6,000 others unwell, was warned in August over the safety of its product, according to its partner and co-owner.

New Zealand-based Fonterra said it had urged China’s Sanlu Group to recall the tainted powder six weeks before it took adequate action.

The Fonterra farmers’ co-operative owns a 43% stake in Sanlu.

In a statement, Fonterra said it had urged Sanlu’s board to recall the milk powder as soon as it learned of the contamination on 2 August.