Threat to Contaminate Baby Formula

Police are appealing for the publics' help following a threat to contaminate infant formula and other formula in an apparent protest over the use of 1080 poison in pest control.

Federated Farmers received anonymous letters in November. Small packages of milk powder, which later tested positive for a concentrated form of 1080, accompanied the letters.

The letters carried a threat to contaminate formula with 1080 unless New Zealand stopped using the poison for pest control by the end of March.

Mike Clement, Police deputy commissioner of National Operations will shortly take questions along with Ministry for Primary Industries deputy director general Scott Gallagher.

Police said the person or people who wrote the letters threatened to make their threat public if the Government did not meet their demand by the end of this month.

Police National Headquarters said a full investigation began in November, with an Auckland-based team called Operation Concord involving up to 36 police staff.

Mike Clement, Police deputy commissioner of national operations, said although it was possible the threat was a hoax, it must be treated seriously. He encouraged the person or group to make themselves known.

"The letter writer may not have really considered the implications of their actions when this communication was drafted," Mr Clement said.

Several specialist groups and support agencies, including MPI, were involved.

Federated Farmers was also helping with the investigation.

Mr Clement said authorities were using all available resources to resolve the issue but wanted the public's help.

"You might be aware of someone who has strong views [about] 1080 and has made threats," Mr Clement said.

"Please make contact with us."

Police said those who had information about the threats should call the Operation Concord team on 0800 723 665, or the independent group Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111.

Fonterra is holding a press conference at 4pm and Prime Minister John Key will address media at Parliament at 4.30pm.

Source: NZHerald