For immediate release:
May 3, 2016
Media contacts:
Advisory: Consumers
Urged to Throw Away Potentially Contaminated Foods
The Michigan departments
of Agriculture and Rural Development and Health and Human Services are
cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement
in Ann Arbor on an investigation involving intentional food contamination at
retail grocery stores in Ann Arbor.
Thanks to citizen tips,
the suspect was apprehended by the Ann Arbor Police Department. During
interrogation, the suspect admitted to intentionally contaminating salad bars
and/or produce sections of at least three grocery stores in the greater Ann
Arbor area – Whole Foods, Meijer, Inc. and Plum
Market – at least twice
in the last month. The suspect claims to have sprayed the food with a mixture
of a commercial mouse poison, alcohol-based hand-sanitizer and water. Samples
have been sent for further laboratory analysis to determine concentration.
The chemicals found in
this mixture are a form of anti-coagulant, similar to what is found in
medicines that have an anti-clotting function. Based on the known ingredients
in the mixture at this time, MDHHS does not anticipate any adverse health
effects on individuals who may have ingested potentially contaminated products.
The stores involved have
been contacted and additional samples have been collected by law enforcement
for further testing. MDARD food inspectors are in the stores this evening
conducting follow-up assessments of the potentially affected stores.
“Out of an abundance of
caution and to protect public health and food safety, I encourage consumers to
dispose of any foods purchased from salad bars, olive bars and ready-to-eat hot
and cold food areas from these stores between mid-March and the end of April,”
said Jamie Clover Adams, MDARD director. “Although most of these types of foods
may have already been eaten or disposed of, some may still be in refrigerators
or freezers.”
Based on FBI investigation, there is the potential that other stores in
Michigan may also have been targeted. These stores include:
|
Busch's
|
2240 S Main Street
|
Ann Arbor, MI
|
|
Cupcake Station
|
116 E Liberty
|
Ann Arbor, MI
|
|
Family Fare
|
2026 North Saginaw
|
Midland, MI
|
|
Kroger
|
3838 Richfield Road
|
Flint, MI
|
|
Meijer, #108
|
7300 Eastman Ave
|
Midland, MI
|
|
Meijer, #64
|
3145 Ann Arbor-Saline
|
Ann Arbor, MI
|
|
Meijer, #213
|
9515 Birch Run Rd
|
Birch Run, MI
|
|
Millers Mini Mart
|
3001 Bay City Rd
|
Midland, MI
|
|
Plum Market
|
375 North Maple
|
Ann Arbor, MI
|
|
Target
|
2000 Waters Road
|
Ann Arbor, MI
|
|
Tsai Grocery
|
3115 Oak Valley Drive
|
Ann Arbor, MI
|
|
Walmart
|
910 Joe Mann Blvd
|
Midland, MI
|
|
Walmart
|
7000 E Michigan Ave
|
Saline, MI
|
|
Whole Foods
|
990 W Eisenhower Pkwy
|
Ann Arbor, MI
|
|
Whole Foods
|
3135 Washtenaw Ave
|
Ann Arbor, MI
|
“While the risk for
adverse health effects appears to be low, more investigation is being done to
determine what level of exposure may have occurred,” said Dr. Eden Wells, chief
medical executive, MDHHS. “If you have any health concerns, contact your
healthcare provider or call Michigan Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 with questions.”
The departments would
like to acknowledge the diligence of employees at Whole Foods, the quick
response of the FBI, law enforcement agencies, and local health officials, and
those who provided tips via social media, which has led to a speedy resolution
to this issue.
Food industry employees
and consumers are reminded to be vigilant and to report any suspicious
activities. Remember, “If you see something, say something.” Any suspicious
activities should be immediately reported to local law enforcement.
Examples of things to
watch for include employees or strangers who:
·
spray unknown substances in your store
·
enter or exit your operation through the wrong doors
·
hang around display cases, exposed food displays (e.g., produce or salad
bars) or cold/hot food displays
·
loiter in aisles
·
leave suspicious materials in your store
MDARD and MDHHS will
continue to coordinate with all agencies involved, along with Washtenaw County
Health Department and Michigan’s retail grocery industry.
Updates will be provided
as new information becomes available.
