The baby milk botulism scare comes to light after changes at the top of Fonterra - including moves by the company to take more direct control of its communications strategy.
John Wilson was appointed Fonterra chairman in December last year and his predecessor, Sir Henry van der Hayden, stepped down from the board two months ago.
It is understood that before van der Hayden stepped down he negotiated a new contract with Fonterra's long-time outsourced public relations provider, Baldwin Boyle Group.
Baldwin Boyle principal Brenda Baldwin declined to discuss the terms of the contract and Fonterra communications boss Kerry Underhill did not respond to calls. However, it is known the board backed a five-year contract that took effect from February 13.