Ten charges have been laid against a Northland farmer who allegedly contaminated his cattle with the pesticide Endosulfan.

The contamination took place last year when the farmer allegedly used the pesticide, which is approved for used on vegetables but not animals, to kill ticks on his cattle.

The meat of the animals was then exported to Korea where the Endosulfan was picked up.

Food Safety New Zealand spokesman Geoff Allen says the charges are serious and send a strong message to other farmers to be vigilant. Mr Allen says they must realise there are far-reaching consequences which can come from their actions.

He says the incident shows New Zealand's systems allow for a speedy and full trace back to the point of origin.