Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings has expressed regret for consumer anxiety caused by revelations that batches of whey protein had been contaminated.

Fonterra Fund shares have dropped by 62 cents in early trading as markets digest the impact of the contamination scare on our biggest exporter.

Worried parents are flooding an infant formula company's hotline, amid revelations almost 68,000 cans of formula could be tainted with a botulism-causing bacterium.

Worried parents have criticised authorities over misinformation about Karicare formula.

Russia has made one of the most extreme responses to Fonterra's contamination scare so far, banning all goods made by the NZ dairy giant, according to media reports.

Anchor says its light-proof milk bottles have been fully integrated into the country's recycling system.

What happens to NZ if China's mothers decide breast is best?

Fonterra has confirmed about 300 jobs from its head office in Auckland would go after a review of its support services, saving the company $65 million a year.

Fonterra chief Theo Spierings wants Government buy-in on a national strategy, reports Fran O'Sullivan.

The Government has announced a plan aimed at strengthening and protecting the country's 'food assurance systems' to match rapid growth in infant formula exports.

Global food giant Heinz has revealed plans to scale down production at an infant formula plant it operates in Britain and shift the work to New Zealand.

Fonterra remains confident about its push into China's branded infant formula market, despite controversy in the Chinese media this year over New Zealand-made baby milk.

New Zealand's dairy sector debt nearly tripled over the past decade to $30.5 billion last year and some farmers will have difficulty servicing their loans in the year ahead.

NZ's reputation for high quality infant formula is being risked by inexperienced companies looking to cash in on Chinese demand, says a high-powered industry group.

Economists still expect a "bumper" season for New Zealand dairy , despite the first online auction for 2013/14 starting on a soft note.