FBI: Man Sprayed Mouse Poison On Grocery Store Produce
On May 3, officials detained the man who has been accused of spraying a liquid onto unpackaged food products and produce at various Michigan supermarkets.
The public played a substantial role in helping the FBI and Ann Arbor Police Department locate the man who was recorded spraying a substance on the salad and hot food bars at a local Whole Foods Market, MLive reports. Investigators discovered the liquid mixture consists of Tomcat mouse poison, alcohol-based hand sanitizer and water.
At least three stores in Ann Arbor have been affected by the actions of this man, whose name has yet to be released by authorities. The Whole Foods Market at 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Meijer at 3145 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, and Plum Market at 375 North Maple Road are believed to have been targeted in the last two weeks of April.
According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the liquid substance has been sent to labs for additional analyses. Investigators have said the chemicals in the mixture are anti-coagulants, similar to anti-clotting medications. It is believed that no harmful health effects will result for those who may have consumed the substance.
“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,” Jamie Clover Adams, director of the MDARD, said, according to MLive. “Although most of these types of foods may have already been eaten or disposed of, some may still be in refrigerators or freezers.”
“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,” Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive for the MDHHS, said, the Detroit Free Press reports.
As the suspect admitted to visiting several supermarkets since February in order to contaminate their products, authorities are investigating other grocery stores in the Michigan towns of Ann Arbor, Birch Run, Flint, Midland and Saline.
Officials have yet to determine whether there is any threat to the public. The incidents are still being investigated, and the man has not yet been charged.
Sources: MLive, Detroit Free Press / Photo Credit: WJBK