Protect produce displays from tampering

A man recently apprehended by police in Ann Arbor, Michigan, admitted to intentionally contaminating the salad bars and produce sections of at least three grocery stores in the greater Ann Arbor area. The suspect claimed to have sprayed the food with a mixture of a commercial mouse poison, alcohol-based hand sanitizer and water, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD).

According to MDARD, the chemicals found in that 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, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) did not anticipate adverse health effects on individuals who may have ingested potentially contaminated products.

MDARD and MDHHS are cooperating with the FBI and local law enforcement on an investigation of the incident. The ag department reminded food industry employees and consumers to be vigilant and report suspicious activities 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 (produce or salad bars) or cold/hot food displays
• loiter in aisles
• leave suspicious materials in your store

As part of the federal government’s “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign, FDA has this advice for food businesses. First, look for people:

• taking notes, drawings, photos or videos of your business
• attempting to gain information in person, by phone or by email about your business operations (specifically about security measures and personnel)
• conducting surveillance of self-service areas (salad bars, condiment areas and open bulk containers)
• attempting to gain access to restricted or unauthorized areas
• thefts of employee uniforms, badges or packaging labels
• employees changing working behavior or working irregular hours
• unattended vehicles illegally parked near your business
• unattended items (backpacks, boxes) within or near your business

And if you do see something suspicious:

• notify management
• secure open containers of food or ingredients in food preparation areas appropriately
• control access of all employees, delivery personnel and patrons to food storage and preparation areas
• keep doors locked as appropriate and prevent access to food preparation and storage areas, including loading docks
• monitor self-service areas (salad bars, condiment areas, open bulk containers) for evidence of tampering
• monitor products for retail sale for evidence of tampering (damaged packages, evidence of resealing of packages, leaking packages)
• monitor the security of the premises as appropriate
• conduct background checks on employees
• train employees on awareness of suspicious activity and reporting procedures

– Matt Milkovich