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PEI potato tampering reward deadline approaching

Tips related to recent incidences of tampering with P.E.I. potatoes received on or before Aug. 15 are eligible for up to $500,000 upon the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Tips received from Aug. 16 through Oct. 31 will continue to be eligible for the previously announced reward of up to $100,000.

Anonymous tips are also eligible for the reward.

“We encourage anyone who has any information about the insertion of metal objects into potatoes to come forward to the RCMP or Crimestoppers,” said Greg Donald, general manager of the Prince Edward Island Potato Board. “Potato farmers are preparing for another harvest season and sincerely hope that tips are received that lead to the arrest of those responsible for this serious crime before PEI Potatoes start coming out of the ground again this year.”

There have been no arrests to date in the case of food tampering involving the deliberate insertion of metal objects into potatoes. The potatoes were destined for human consumption and the local industry remains concerned about the effect acts such as this have on the confidence of consumers in the food supply.  

Several potato farms have been attacked to date, and Island farms have had to order millions of dollars in foreign material detection equipment in order to protect consumers.

Anyone who knows the individual or individuals involved, or who has information that would assist police in this investigation, can provide information anonymously to Crime Stoppers via:

• Phoning to 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
• Online reporting at www.peicrimestoppers.com.
• Texting “TIP162” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES).

Those who do not wish to remain anonymous may contact the Prince Edward Island RCMP toll-free at 1-844-592-2774 or by emailing graeme.shaw@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.