Activists threaten to taint New Zealand infant formula

Wellington

SUSPECTED environmental activists have threatened to contaminate infant formula in New Zealand, the world's largest dairy exporter, in an attempt to halt the use of an agricultural poison on pests such as rats and possums.

New Zealand police said on Tuesday that letters were sent to the national farmers' group and dairy giant Fonterra in November accompanied by packages of infant formula laced with 1080, demanding that use of the toxic pesticide be stopped by the end of March.

The announcement pushed the New Zealand dollar to a six-week low over concerns about the possible impact on the country, which depends on dairy products for about a quarter of its export…