Dairy companies defend tainted milk claims
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China says milk powder produced in Australia failed to meet standards. (ABC)
Two Australian dairy producers have defended themselves against claims by Chinese authorities that they failed to meet quality standards tests.
A Chinese Government website says more than 14 tonnes of Pauls brand milk powder produced in Australia failed to meet standards in July.
But dairy producer Parmalat says it has not been told by Chinese authorities of any problems with its Australian products.
Some analysts say China could be naming foreign companies to deflect criticism over the recent deadly powdered milk scandal.
In a statement, Parmalat says it is unusual that the issue has been raised now and says its products have to pass quality inspections prior to export.
The site also names a milk powder produced by Australian dairy company Tatura as failing bacteria tests.
Tatura Milk chairman Barry Irvin says he does not dispute the tests but is disappointed they have been made public.
"This is obviously something that has been leaked for perhaps malicious purposes," he said.
"The reality is obviously we go through rigorous testing procedures and when those testing procedures present a problem they're normally things that are dealt with between us and the relevant authority."
Mr Irvin says the company's reputation has been tarnished.
"The reality is it's a matter of us trying to clarify the situation and we're doing that as quickly as possible to basically demonstrate that in fact in this case, the system worked as you would expect it to work," he said.
"It's just disappointing there's been an attempt made to discredit the product and the company to a certain extent."
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