The FBI said a tip from the public led to the suspect, whom they haven’t identified.
David Gelios, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit Division, said the man admitted to contaminating food with a potentially hazardous liquid at the Whole Foods Market on West Eisenhower Parkway, a Meijer store on Ann Arbor-Saline Road and Plum Market on North Maple Road.
“The suspect has admitted to using a potentially hazardous material to contaminate food in several Ann Arbor-area grocery stores,” Gelios said. “Our joint investigation leads us to believe that this individual sprayed a liquid mixture of hand sanitizer, water and Tomcat mice poison on produce.”
He also said the suspect told investigators he sprayed the chemicals on produce in those stores within the last two weeks.
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.