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The working group noted that only some 203 packs of Vitasoy Malt Soya milk produced in Shenzhen and a very tiny number of Soya and Malt Soya milk products produced in Tuen Mun were affected, while the company's range of VITA teas and juices were proved to be unaffected in the incidents.
The results of laboratory tests conducted by both the company and the Department of Health indicated that the bacteria found in the "sour-taste" products are non-pathogenic.
An independent investigation commissioned by the company revealed that equipment wear and tear and the possibility of human error may have been the likely causes of contamination of some products produced in Shenzhen plant. In the case of the Tuen Mun plant, variations in machine performance and incomplete sterilisation led to contamination of products.
"After detailed discussions, members are convinced that the investigations conducted by the Swedish experts were thorough and comprehensive," a spokesman for the working group said.
Members found the attributed causes to the problems in the Tuen Mun plant and the Shenzhen plant supported with valid scientific and statistical evidence.
The working group noted and supported the remedial and preventive measures recommended by the Swedish experts and adopted by the company.
These include increased quality assurance with random sampling for quality control, "aimed sampling" - the testing of products during specific phases of the production operation, incubating the samples at elevated temperature and more intensive cleaning and sterilisation.
"The working group agrees that sound quality control and quality assurance programme covering the entire food production process is more important and effective than end-product sampling," the spokesman said.
It recommended additional measures be introduced by the company including improvements to the maintenance of machines, staff training, controls to ensure strict adherence to the working procedures, independent outside laboratory support and annual audit of quality control and quality assurance.