A study which plays down the link between cancer and nitrates in drinking water is being dismissed for failing to meet the scientific mark.
The research in question was co-sponsored by Fonterra and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
One critic says the work is the dairy co-op's attempt to deflect criticism of its role in the rising amounts of nitrate in drinking water.
The study's architect says there is unreasonable fear about nitrates and very little evidence to suggest any link to cancer.
Conan Young reports.
