Today it was revealed that Fonterra and Federated Farmers received threatening letters last November, along with milk packages that tested positive for the poison.
The letters threatened to contaminate infant formula and other products if New Zealand did not cease to use the poison by the end of March. It also threatened to disclose the matter publicly.
LIKELY HOAX
Police Deputy Commissioner Mike Clement said the threat was probably a hoax, but it had to be taken seriously. He urged the letter writer to come forward.
The Government is highly sensitive to food safety, and particularly the impact it could have on consumer confidence in China.
Police and the Ministry for Primary Industries held a joint press conference at police headquarters on Monday afternoon.
MPI deputy director general Scott Gallacher said the organisation was as confident about the integrity of New Zealand's food products as it was before the threat.
1080 is widely used by the Department of Conservation to control pests such as possums, rats and stoats.
Police said Fonterra's products were not specifically mentioned in the letter.
Clement said the letter writer may not have realised the possible consequences of their actions.
He would welcome any approach from the person who made the threat, but would not negotiate the end of using 1080 in New Zealand.
Up to 36 police officers have been engaged in Operation Concord.
KEY POINTS
* Government reassures consumers product is still safe.
* Testing of 40,000 samples.
* Supermarkets bolster security.
* Police seek public help finding the blackmailer.
Source: NZ Farmer