(CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – November 10th, 2014) Over the past number of years, the potato industry has been actively adopting Food Safety and Traceability Programs knowing that they are now part of doing business and to ensure our customers of a safe, quality food supply. The recent food tampering case with needles put in potatoes at Linkletter Farms has left our industry feeling shocked, and is unacceptable for ourselves and the general public. The Prince Edward Island Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in partnership with Linkletter Farms Ltd. and the Prince Edward Island potato industry, are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying suspects involved in incidents of food tampering at Linkletter Farms.
“To encourage anyone with knowledge concerning this attack on food safety to come forward, the Prince Edward Island potato industry has established a fund to cover a reward of up to $50,000.00 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for inserting sewing needles into potatoes of Linkletter Farms Ltd. which were destined for human consumption,” said Greg Donald, General Manager of the Prince Edward Island Potato Board. After a conviction has been obtained, an independent panel will determine eligibility for payment from the reward fund. Information provided anonymously is NOT eligible for the reward established by the PEI potato industry. This reward is in effect for tips received up until January 31, 2015.
Anyone knowing the individual or individuals involved, or who has information that would assist police in this investigation,is asked to contact the Prince Edward Island RCMP at (902) 436-9300. Alternatively, an email can be sent to craig.eveleigh@rcmp-grc.gc.ca and an investigator will respond.
Information may be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers, an independent organization that offers eligible callers cash rewards to a maximum of $2,000.00 for tips leading to an arrest or charge. Information may be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers by phone 1-800-222-(8477)TIPS, via the web at www.peicrimestoppers.com or by text by texting “TIP162” plus your message to (274637) CRIMES “For the health of Linkletter Farms and the entire industry, we know we all wish to see this incident resolved as quickly as possible,” said Greg Donald.
Prince Edward Island Potatoes are world renowned for the great taste and quality that comes from growing in the unique red soil of PEI. The Prince Edward Island Potato Board is a producer-controlled association dedicated to supporting the highest performance of an economically and environmentally sustainable potato industry. The potato industry is worth over $1 billion to the Prince Edward Island economy each year.