Parmalat’s SA operation has halted its exports to China, including the SADA Fresh brand, after the Clarence Gardens processor’s licence was revoked amid concerns about milk temperatures.
SA Dairyfarmers’ Association chief executive officer Andrew Curtis said there was no timeline to restore the licence, with the Chinese authorities working through their regulations.
“But we do have enthusiasm from Parmalat, the Australian government and our Chinese partners to get back in the marketplace,” he said.
Mr Curtis said it was a challenge to ensure the fresh milk that went into China had a good shelf life and they had been working to an international standard.
About 4000 litres of SADA Fresh milk is flown into China each week, since the first shipment in April last year.
A Department of Agriculture and Water spokesperson said it had a good working relationship with China with mutual respect for each other’s regulatory and food safety systems.
“The department has no concerns regarding any food safety issues from Parmalat and it continues to be eligible to export to other markers and to make domestic sales,” they said.
China is Australia’s largest export market with more than 150,000 tonnes exported there annually, making up about 20 per cent of all dairy exports.
Parmalat was contacted for comment but could not respond by deadline.
Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
