Frustrated parents have been flooding helplines in a desperate bid for information on which infant formula is safe, and some have taken their children to the doctor.
Parents have now spent three days worrying whether the formula they are feeding their children could be tainted with botulism.
Last night the Ministry for Primary Industries refused to say what new information it had from Fonterra which could expose the extent of the contamination. But Nutricia issued a further recall of its products.
The New Zealand Infant Formula Association is angry about how the dairy exporter has handled the scandal. Its members don't use Fonterra's whey protein but they have been affected by the plummeting international confidence in NZ standards.
On Sunday night, the MPI recommended caregivers should not feed children Nutricia Karicare Stage 1 for babies and Stage 2 for children from 6 months old, regardless of the batch number they came from.
Last night, Nutricia issued a statement officially recalling all batches of the Karicare Stage 1 and Stage 2 products.
"Nutricia received further information from Fonterra about its ingredient contamination which has required us to expand the scope of our precautionary product recall."
The recall confirmed MPI's latest advice, after it had already issued differing information three times - on Saturday it said to avoid all Stage 2 formula and on Sunday afternoon it told parents not to use only the specific batches Nutricia had recalled.
After a meeting with Fonterra yesterday morning, MPI acting director-general Scott Gallacher said there was new information coming to hand. He said that it was information that might pertain to the trail and scope of ingredients supplied to Nutricia.
Mr Gallacher said MPI was not able to be sure other batches from Nutricia did not contain the contaminated whey protein concentrate.
Nutricia chief Corine Tap said: "We are working closely with Fonterra to ensure we have all the latest information ...
As a mum, I understand the anxiety and worry that not having this clarity causes. We cannot accept this. Nutricia is meeting with MPI in Wellington as we speak."
More than 3000 people have rung the Karicare helpline, and calls to Plunket surged to 600 yesterday.
Kiwi baby formula makers whose product is safe have also received more calls from consumers.
Parents have contacted the Herald asking about what formula they should be using. At least three said they were so concerned they were taking their child to their GP.
Infant Formula Exporters Association spokesman Chris Claridge said the situation had been handled badly by Fonterra and the Government.
"All that consumers worldwide and consumers in New Zealand hear is, 'New Zealand. Botulism. Dairy.' That's all they're hearing. It didn't need to get to this point."
Changing information
Saturday, 4pm:
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) tells parents with Nutricia Karicare Follow On Formula products from 6 months (Stage 2) to use formula for children aged 0-6 months (Stage 1), ready-made formulas or alternative brands.
Sunday, 12.30pm
MPI announces the recall of Karicare Infant Formula Stage 1 (0-6 months) with batch numbers 3169 and 3170 (use by 17/06/2016 and 18/06/2016) and Karicare Gold+ Follow On Formula Stage 2 (6-12 months) with batch number D3183 (use by 31/12/2014)
Sunday, 9pm
MPI advises not to use Nutricia Karicare Infant Formula Stage 1 for babies from birth or Nutricia Karicare Stage 2 Follow-on formula for children from 6 months old until further notice, regardless of batch number.
Monday, Noon
MPI says it has received new information from Fonterra that may pertain to the trail and scope of ingredients supplied to Nutricia but refuses to reveal it.
Monday, 10pm Nutricia recalls all Karicare Stage 1 and 2 Formula, regardless of batch numbers.
