ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The FBI has arrested a man who is suspected of attempting to contaminate food products in several Ann Arbor area grocery stores.
The man was observed sprinkling "a liquid" on food carts, according to the FBI. The FBI didn't immediately specify which store the man was seen in.
The FBI announced Tuesday the man was taken into custody with help from the Ann Arbor Police Department. Federal investigators said he admitted to using a potentially hazardous material to contaminate food in several Ann Arbor area grocery stores.
They say an investigation has led them believe the man sprayed a liquid mixture of hand cleaner, water and Tomcat mice poison on produce in the following three grocery stores:
- Whole Foods Market -- 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway -- Ann Arbor, MI
- Meijer -- 3145 Ann Arbor – Saline Road -- Ann Arbor, MI
- Plum Market -- 375 North Maple Road -- Ann Arbor, MI
"The suspect stated that he sprayed produce in these stores within the last two weeks," the FBI said in a statement. "The suspect visited several other grocery stores in the Ann Arbor area in the last few months and the investigation is ongoing in order to determine if any other stores were victimized by the suspect. 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."
Neurotoxin found in some formulations
The chemicals found in some formulations of the potential chemicals involved may include a neurotoxin called Bromethalin.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development sent inspectors to each implicated store to assess the foods, review inventory records and cleaning practices, examine video footage taken at the stores and re-enforce food security and food safety protocols.
Health guidelines:
Based on the available information, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services does not anticipate any serious health effects. Symptoms include headache, confusion, personality change and tremors.
However, if anyone experiences any symptoms such as headache, confusion, personality change, or tremors, they should contact their doctor or call the Michigan Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
State departments: Other stores may have been targeted
Meanwhile, the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Health and Human Services warns there is a potential that other stores in Michigan also may have been targeted.
As of Wednesday, MDARD food inspectors have visited all 15 stores and there is no evidence of further issues at these stores.
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.”