Worker at Giant put sewing needles into items sold to customers: Police
Anyone who purchased items from the store between April 13 and April 19 is urged to check them for tampering.
LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Pennsylvania state police are investigating after a former Giant employee allegedly put sewing needles into grocery items that were purchased by customers.
On Friday, state police identified additional food items that may have been affected by the incident.
Troopers first responded to the Giant at 7150 Hamilton Boulevard in Lower Macungie Township on Wednesday for a report of food tampering.
Originally, troopers found that an employee had put the needles into bagged vegetables and individual Tastykake packaging.
A new announcement says that customers who purchased King Hawaiian Bread Rolls and StarKist Light Tuna Large pouches (pouches larger than 2.6 oz) who suspect the food may have been tampered with should call the police.
According to officials, a video allegedly shows the former employee appearing to insert a needle into at least three known food items, which were later determined to be sewing needles.
Giant previously released this statement to Action News:
"The safety of our customers is GIANT'S top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, the company has removed some products from shelves at its Trexlertown store. The categories believed to be affected include: single-serve Tastykakes, fresh bagged green beans, loose sweet yellow and white onions, fresh green asparagus, soft packaged dog food and treats, soft packaged cat food and treats, instant mashed potatoes (boxed) and cleaning sponges."
Anyone who purchased grocery items from the store between Thursday, April 13, and Wednesday, April 19 is urged to check the purchased items for any tampering.
Troopers said a juvenile suspect has been identified and charges are "forthcoming."
Anyone who may have information about the incident is asked to call the police at 610-395-1438.
