Heitiki formula made in New Zealand

Heitki maternal milk formula. Photo / Supplied

New Image, the bovine colostrums-based health supplements maker, says it is the contract manufacturer of the infant formula being investigated by New Zealand government officials.

New Image subsidiary Food Contractors makes the formula and delivers it to a client, Kiaora New Zealand International, which markets and promotes the product, the company said in a statement.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said it had launched a probe into Kiaora, focussing on any food safety issues linked to the formula.

The government agency will also examine other possible breaches of requirements such as labelling, advertising and claims. Where breaches are identified we will respond, compliance and enforcement director Geoff Allen said in a statement.

New Image said the labelling and imagery on the Heitiki product was supplied by Kiaora and approved by the China Export and Inspection Quarantine Department. It was made for export to China.
Shares in New Image were unchanged at 27 cents.

Heitiki can be loosely translated as a Maori greenstone pendant worn around the neck. The baby milk powder formula was believed to have been available through the company's website; which is currently shut down for maintenance.

Several groups have expressed outrage at the use of Maori and New Zealand symbols for a food product that is not accompanied by any recognised food safety standards.