Milkio Foods Limited Fined $261,000 for Misleading ‘100% Pure New Zealand’ Claims Using Indian Butter

India 26.08.2024

Source: DairyNews.today

Milkio Foods Limited, a New Zealand-based dairy company, has been fined US$261,452 for falsely claiming its products were "100 percent pure New Zealand," despite using butter imported from India. The fine was imposed after the New Zealand Commerce Commission took the Hamilton-based firm to court over misleading claims about the origin of its ghee products.

Milkio Foods Limited Fined $261,000 for Misleading ‘100% Pure New Zealand’ Claims Using Indian Butter

The company misled consumers by promoting its ghee as "100% Pure New Zealand," while the key ingredient, butter, was sourced from India. This deception took advantage of New Zealand’s strong reputation for high-quality dairy exports, which are highly sought after by international customers.

Milkio Foods also provided false and incomplete information to obtain approval for using the FernMark logo, a trusted symbol that signifies New Zealand-made products. The company pleaded guilty to 15 breaches of New Zealand’s Fair Trading Act, admitting to making false representations and unauthorized use of the FernMark logo and licence number.

“This conviction should serve as a warning to others who may be looking to falsely claim the New Zealand brand,” said Vanessa Horne, spokesperson for the Commerce Commission.