Fonterra chief takes step back on tainted milk case

Fonterra CEO Andrew Ferrier. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Fonterra chief executive Andrew Ferrier has taken a step back in the confusing trial of former head of the Sanlu dairy company over the contaminated milk scandal in China.

Fonterra had been under the impression that 66-year-old Tian Wenhua had pleaded not guilty, Ferrier said yesterday. "However, there were other reports that she had pleaded guilty. Fonterra was not present at the trial. It is not appropriate for Fonterra to make any further comment while the Chinese court is deliberating its verdict," he said.