By 3 News online staff
The final part of the Government whey protein inquiry will begin next week.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says Part A of the investigation will look into how the potentially contaminated whey protein made it into international markets and how it was handled after the fact.
The inquiry was sparked following last year's Fonterra botulism scare in which 38 tonnes of the product, the main ingredient in baby formula, had been feared to be contaminated.
It was later found to be a false alarm.
Last month Fonterra was ordered to pay $300,000 after pleading guilty to four charges in relation to the scare.
Mr Guy says the final part of the inquiry won’t be able to take place until the compliance investigation was done, the sentencing had occurred and the appeal period had expired.
Inquiry chair Miriam Dean QC says the work will be done against the background of a civil case in relation to the incident.
"In these circumstances, it will be especially important to develop processes that are fair to all participants, while also ensuring the matters in the terms of reference are fully addressed in a timely manner," she says.
Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye says while the whey protein scare - the country's biggest - needs to be done quickly, it also needs to allow the inquiry team to consider what happened and put a fair process in place for parties involved.
3 News
source: newshub archive
