UPDATE: 1080 threat to dairy products investigated since Nov

UPDATE: 1080 threat to dairy products investigated since November

(updates length of time threats known in headline, first and second pars)

By Suze Metherell

March 10 (BusinessDesk) - Threats to contaminate infant and other dairy formula with 1080 poison have been under investigation by the Police and the Ministry of Primary Industries since November, it was revealed this afternoon, although tests have all been clear so far.

The government agency tested over 40,000 raw milk and product samples after Federated Farmers first received anonymous threats in the mail, which included infant formula laced with the poison, which is controversially used to control possums and other introduced pests that infest New Zealand native bush.

The combined MPI and industry testing programmes confirm there is no 1080 in infant and other formula," Deputy Director-General Scott Gallacher said. "We have tested just over 40,000 raw milk and product samples and we have had no 1080 detections."

The announcement comes after NZX put a trading halt across all dairy companies, including Fonterra Shareholders Fund A2 Milk Company and Synlait Milk. The NZX Dairy Futures and Options market has also been halted.

The kiwi dollar dropped almost half a US cent ahead of the trading halt imposed on listed dairy companies, falling as low as 72.80 US cents, the lowest in more than a month, and was recently trading at 73.01 cents.

Since the threat the MPI with other government agencies have put additional measure in place to protect against any threat, including "strengthened security measures in retail stores", enchanced testing and increased vigilance in the supply chain.

(BusinessDesk)

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