Expert questions delay in publicizing New Zealand about infant formula threat

Experts have questioned the New Zealand government's delay in informing the public about a threat to poison infant formula, but they added the likelihood of contamination was very low.

Massey University crisis communications specialist Chris Galloway said earlier publication of the threat made in anonymous letters sent to farming and dairy industry leaders in November last year might have minimized damage to consumer confidence.

"You can understand why the authorities didn't release the information immediately, but after a short period to check out their veracity, I think most parents would have preferred to find out as soon as possible," Galloway said in a statement.

The message that the risk was low and the police were doing everything possible to monitor the threat and apprehend the blackmailer would have done more to establish trust with the public if communicated earlier.

"Announcing the threat four months after the fact puts them in a weaker position," he said.

Prime Minister John Key said in a televised press conference that the government had planned to reveal the threat next week, but moved earlier after news media began asking questions.

He defended the delay in warning the public, saying food safety officials and the industry had to first ensure the entire supply chain was secure against any threat, while the police needed time to conduct a thorough investigation.

"We're advised it is extremely unlikely anyone could deliberately contaminate formula during the manufacturing process and there is no evidence that this has ever occurred," said Key.

Meanwhile, Massey University food safety specialist Professor Steve Flint said that unless the alleged blackmailer worked at a dairy company, it would be extremely difficult for them to access the product.

While safety could never be completely assured, the chance of the threat happening in New Zealand was extremely low, he said.

Police and food safety officials have asked for the public's help in finding the person or people behind the threat.

The letters threatened to contaminate infant and other formula with 1080 unless New Zealand stopped using 1080 for pest control by the end of March 2015.

Police said the letters sent to the Federated Farmers industry group and the Fonterra dairy cooperative were accompanied by small packages of milk powder that subsequently tested positive for the presence of a concentrated form of the poison 1080.

Sodium monofluoroacetate, known as 1080, is a poison used to protect New Zealand's native flora and fauna against introduced pests such as possums and ferrets.

Its use has been controversial over the years with opponents saying it poisons native animals and contaminates the environment. Endi