Contamination claim denied

A German man has denied attempting to cause major commercial losses in New Zealand by claiming milk powder was contaminated.

Maximillian Christian Zucker, 20, allegedly ‘‘communicated information he believed to be false’’ about milk powder at Pacific Lab Holdings, in Marlborough, last month. Police claim Zucker intended to ‘‘cause a significant disruption to commercial activity in New Zealand’’, likely to cause major economic loss to the company director.

Zucker worked for Pacific Lab Holdings where he stacked packages onto pallets before distribution, police said.

It was not revealed in court how Zucker allegedly made his claim, or what the alleged contamination was.

Zucker entered a not guilty plea in the Blenheim District Court yesterday. He was remanded on bail for a case review hearing on December 18.