China warns consumers after Fonterra cream recall

The Fonterra Te Rapa plant is seen behind a sign for cyclists near Hamilton, in Aug 6, 2013 file picture. [Photo/Reuters]

BEIJING - China's top quality watchdog warned Chinese consumers on Tuesday not to eat a batch of fresh cream products currently being recalled by Fonterra.

The statement came after the New Zealand-based dairy giant said it was conducting a recall involving 8,700 bottles of fresh cream containing E. Coli bacteria that were distributed in New Zealand.

While the products were not exported to China, they may have been brought home after overseas purchases or sent to China through parcels, according to the statement from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

The statement said that the products were produced on Jan 6 with a best before date of Jan 21.

It was the second dairy scare involving Fonterra within six months, after Fonterra said in August that some exported whey products to China may contain botulism-causing bacteria.