Nikon USA and Nikon Europe published a note about potential white spots/artifacts inside the Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lens:
The AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lens has black shielding paint applied to the edge of specific lens surfaces to block unnecessary light reflections. Some tiny air bubbles will be trapped between the painted light-shielding portions of the lens. As a result, white spots may become visible in a very confined area around the edge of the lens element depending on the angle of view and light condition.
The white spots are located outside of the area through which light passes when images are captured and so have no effect on the quality of the recorded image.
Please continue to use your lens without concern.
