NEWS RELEASE                                                                                                       4 July 2001 

WOOLWORTHS TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR MILK

Following a recent television programme highlighting the fact that certain milk producers and retailers were not taking responsibility for the quality and standard of milk being sold on local supermarket shelves, Woolworths has clarified its position on the production and sale of milk and milk products. 

The company’s Head of Food Technology, Johan Ferreira, said that in line with Woolworths long-standing corporate policy of offering quality products, the company takes full responsibility for its milk, ‘from the cow to the table’. 

“By following proper pasteurisation processes and maintaining uncompromising microbiological standards, we can guarantee the purity of Woolworths milk and the absence of any antibiotic or other undesirable substances,” said Ferreira. 

“We achieve this through strict adherence to a structured programme which ensures the daily testing of each batch before its release to our stores. This includes stringent microbiological tests, taste tests and tests to ensure the correct butterfat and protein content.” 

“The other critical aspect when handing dairy products – and in fact all food products - is the question of hygiene,” said Ferreira. “Our hygiene criteria comply with international standards. This is higher than that which South African legislation enforces.” 

An independent international auditing team audits the Woolworths laboratories and dairy produce suppliers on an annual basis. 

“This ensures that Woolworths high standards are the same as those of their suppliers and that our customers get the finest, purest milk and other dairy products,” said Ferreira.