Two Fonterra managers suspended

Fonterra has placed two senior managers on leave after its internal investigation found they did not pre-empt the findings of the operational review. The two managers will continue to be involved in the ongoing investigation into the recent recall of Fonterra’s whey protein concentrate.

“We are moving quickly and establishing key facts about what has happened and, as they emerge, we are taking appropriate action,” said Fonterra Chief Executive Theo Spierings.

The internal operational review will be completed by the end of the month. It is looking into the transparency of information in the business and how that information is escalated to the appropriate levels.

Fonterra’s board of directors is continuing a separate inquiry. The findings from the operational review will be passed on to the board inquiry.

Fonterra recalled several batches of its WPC80 whey protein concentration after concerns were raised that they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism.