健康英语新闻:New Zealand regulators clear milk powder firm of safety concerns

WELLINGTON, May 31 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand agricultural produce regulators cleared an Auckland-based firm that exported infant formula to China of food safety concerns, just hours after confirming they had launched an investigation.

The clarification came the same day Kiaora New Zealand International, marketers of Heitiki infant formula, apologized for using a Maori name and icon on its product packaging.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) issued a statement Tuesday to say Kiaora New Zealand had been cleared of food safety and export regulations concerns, but an investigation into the labeling and marketing of Heitiki would continue.

The MAF issued a statement earlier Tuesday confirming reports it was investigating the product's safety, but MAF compliance and enforcement director Geoff Allen said in a later statement the investigation had been underway for about 10 days.

"The investigation was triggered by our internal surveillance. The investigation was primarily on whether there was a food safety issue, and I'm pleased to report that no food safety issues were identified," said Allen.

Nothing "untoward" was identified in the origin and export destination of Heitiki-branded products, which were manufactured in New Zealand according to legal requirements, said Allen.

"The investigation has now turned to the labeling and marketing of the product. This aspect is ongoing, and seeks to identify anything in the labeling or marketing that is inaccurate or misleading.