Police Commissioner Mike Bush (centre), was joined by Detective Superintendent Andy Lovelock (right) and chief executive of the Ministry for Primary Industries Martyn Dunne to announce an arrest over the threat to contaminate infant milk formula with 1080.

A 60-year-old Auckland businessman has been charged over an alleged 1080 milk contamination threat.

In March, it was revealed Fonterra and Federated Farmers received threatening letters last November, along with milk packages that tested positive for the poison.

READ MORE: Businessman due in court over formula threat



Check out a recap of our live coverage of the arrest announcement on Tuesday afternoon.



* Officials say infant milk formula remains safe but tests are continuing.

* A 60-year-old man is to appear in Manukau District Court this afternoon on two counts of blackmail over threats sent to Federated Farmers and Fonterra.

* The charges are punishable by a sentence of up to 14 years in prison.



