The Ministry for Primary Industries says it is exploring interim measures to strengthen consumer assurances about dairy production after the recent food contamination scares.

The contamination scares that have hit New Zealand's two biggest dairy co-operatives this month will cause Chinese consumers to "think twice".

For those from other parts of the world, how are we different from Australia? Our flag is a major branding problem, writes Malcolm Wright.

More than two weeks into Fonterra's botulism contamination crisis, New Zealand-made Karicare baby milk commands pride of place in many Hong Kong retailers.

China quarantines Westland Milk product after tests show levels exceed permissible limit.

The Government has asked Queen's Counsel Miriam Dean to chair its review into the Fonterra food scare.

Trade Minister Tim Groser warns further international bans on New Zealand dairy exports remain a real threat after the Fonterra botulism scare.

The Fonterra contamination scare has claimed its first scalp with Gary Romano, Managing Director NZ Milk Products, resigning with immediate effect.

Some in the PR world prefer the more crude approach to crisis management, writes Fran O'Sullivan. That's the front up, fess up and (give us a) fair go to carry them through.

Fallout from the Fonterra botulism scare serves as a timely reminder of the value of New Zealand's international reputation.

Dairy giant Fonterra and the Ministry of Primary Industries are scrambling to reassure other trading partners.

Former Soviet republics Belarus and Kazakhstan have joined Russia in banning Fonterra dairy products.

The Government plans to force a largely forgotten five-year-old bill through Parliament in three weeks to allow a short, sharp "Government inquiry" into the Fonterra botulism scare.

An environmental campaigner's complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority over Tourism New Zealand's '100% Pure' slogan is due to be reheard this week.

Ralph Norris is to lead Fonterra Cooperative Group's board inquiry into the botulism contamination scare.

The Cabinet will today discuss establishing a commission of inquiry into the Fonterra food safety crisis, but it may be a week away from finalising details.

A reflective David Bain. Fonterra always made it clear it was in the business of making dairy products, not friends. Even its milk-in-schools programme was acknowledged as a strategy to build consumers of the future.

If you've had a bad week at work, I hope you're having a relaxing and wonderful weekend. And no matter how bad your week was, it surely can't have been as bad as the week the Fonterra management and board have had.

Quite rightly, the main news over Fonterra's infected products has been the physical threat to the customer, writes Matt McCarten. Or more importantly, the children of its customers.

John Key's Cabinet must ensure an independent inquiry is held into the latest food safety scare to envelope the company that prides itself on being our national champion.

Questions remain over the status of potentially contaminated Karicare infant formula sold through unofficial channels in China, despite Fonterra's assertions that all products affected by its botulism scare have been contained.