Prince Edward Island Potato Board awards tips in tampering case

The potato industry in Prince Edward Island (PEI) will offer a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for recent potato tampering incidents.

The Prince Edward Island Potato Board said up to USD 50,000 will be available in a fund recently set up. Money is being provided by various potato growers in the province, who wanted to offer assistance in solving the highly unusual case.

In seven cases, potatoes from PEI with a metal sewing needle inside were found by consumers.

Earlier this fall, the needles were discovered in seven potatoes sold in stores throughout Atlantic Canada, as well as in a number of potatoes processed at Cavendish Farms. Those potatoes never left the processing plant.

Greg Donald is general manager of the potato board. In the release he stated, according to cbc.ca: "For the health of Linkletter Farms and the entire industry, we know we all wish to see this incident resolved as quickly as possible."

Donald explained people in the industry wanted to do something to help and that he believes consumers are viewing the tampering of Linkletter Farms potatoes as an isolated incident.

Donald said to the best of the board's knowledge, the incident hasn't had a wider impact on potato sales. He says the board has hired a consultant to see if the industry can further improve safety.

RCMP said the investigation is still ongoing and there are no suspects.

Tips to police can be directed to Prince Edward Island RCMP at (902) 436-9300 or to Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.