#1 In America, we generally trust that our food is safe.
#2 Especially when the store we're getting it from markets itself as being safe and healthy.
#3 But recent issues with organic foods have proven that we can't always trust them.
#4 Michigan man targeted Whole Foods, Meijer, and Plum Market.
The suspect allegedly sprayed a combination of hand cleaner, water, and Tomcat mice poison on produce in Whole Foods, Meijer, and Plum Market in Ann Arbor over the past two weeksthough authorities are trying to determine if the suspect targeted any other grocery stores.
#5 FBI’s Detroit team wrote in a statement,
"Investigators are currently coordinating with state of Michigan and Washtenaw County Health Officials to determine the extent of any contamination and the threat to the public."
#6 The FBI worked jointly with the Ann Arbor Police Department to find the suspect.
The FBI first started asking the public for tips about the man on Sunday, posting several screenshots of the suspect on the day he entered Whole Foods to contaminate productsApril 24.
#7 All salad and hot food bars were immediately closed down at the store,
all food was thrown out and the store team thoroughly cleaned and sanitized all food stations, equipment and serving utensils before restocking with fresh items.
#8 "The suspect stated that he sprayed produce in these stores within the last two weeks," stated the FBI.
#9 There were many other stores that the man had visited in the past few months,
so the FBI advised that people throw away any produce or prepared foods purchased from those locations.
#10 These included Kroger, Target, and Walmart locations around Midland, Flint, and Ann Arbor, MI.
#11 customer outside Whole Foods Market said,
"It's just absolutely crazy. Why would somebody do that?"
#12 Though the department says it has not received any "unusual reports of illness,"
it says it's received reports of vomiting and diarrhea that "are being actively investigated for possible connection to this incident."
#13 what can you do to protect yourself?
First of all, wash all of your produce, and avoid foods from open buffets. This will wash off any pesticide residues (yes, organic uses pesticides) and remove any lurking bacteria. When looking for convenience foods, opt for those packaged by staff members.
