Grocery stores step up security after food tampering

By Eva Ferguson, Calgary Herald
March 26, 2010


Calgary grocery stores are ramping up security and safety precautions amid this week's rash of new food tampering incidents at three Sobeys outlets.

"This is a top priority now for all our stores," said Canada Safeway spokeswoman Betty Kellsey.

"And while we haven't had any incidents in Safeway, it makes us no less vigilant. When it comes to food safety, our industry is one and we all have to take precautions."

Safeway managers held meetings Thursday, discussing ways to beef up security.

Security staff rotations have been increased, while managers have been asked to spend more time on the floor, monitoring staff and customers.

Staff working in produce and bakery departments have been asked to be vigilant, checking food often, looking for suspicious people and conversing with customers to ensure they are regular customers and food is safe.

All local Sobeys stores held several "checkpoint" meetings throughout the day Wednesday with managers and staff, reminding them to increase their food-checking practices.

Company spokesman Mike Lupien said staff are being asked to look for customers who may appear suspicious, such as those spending too much time in one area or carrying large bags or backpacks.

"Visual inspections are really important," he said. "Does food look like it's been tampered with, disrupted?"

"And we need to make checks at least three times in every shift," said Lupien. "But we also need to watch customers closely. Do they look suspicious, are they looking around, like they need help?

"We're taking this very seriously. We don't want this to happen again."

Police are investigating three new incidents of food tampering at Sobeys stores in the south one week after charges were filed in a similar case at the Oakridge Co-op. Tatyana Granada, a 43-year-old mother of two, was charged with mischief in connection with the Co-op case.

The three tampered items found this week were purchased at Sobeys in Cranston, McKenzie Towne and Millrise. This time, the objects inserted were a pin, a nail and a small metal spring, inserted into an avocado and kaiser buns, according to police.

These incidents are especially worrisome, say police, since the objects were buried in the food, whereas at the Co-op, the pins were more obvious.

Police spokesman Kevin Brookwell said all Calgarians need to be vigilant when buying food. Brookwell said purchases should be inspected at the store, at home, during cooking and again before being eaten.

"We don't want people out there to panic. But some of these retail stores are so massive that it would be impossible to monitor every customer.

"If someone really has the intent to do this, they will find a way to do it no matter what the store's efforts."

Brookwell is even asking customers to keep a close eye on packaged foods, beyond just produce and bakery items.

"This doesn't have to be just limited to unpackaged items, we need to check everything."

Karen Henderson with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in Calgary, explained food could be tampered with before it even reaches the stores. The agency is investigating, back tracking all distribution and manufacturing processes for Sobeys stores.

"It's important to look at that wider perspective. It was three different stores this time, but they were all Sobeys. So if we can get information on supplier and distribution practises, we can try and eliminate those as causes, too."

Shoppers picking up groceries Thursday afternoon agreed it's up to individuals to ensure safety.

Anne Solomon, on her way out of the North Hill Centre Co-op with a big bag of dinner buns, said every grocery shopper needs to be vigilant.

"I know a lot of people around the city are checking food right now. It's spread to other stores, so it may not just be a problem in the south."

Solomon's shopping buddy, Sue Edmonds, agreed, adding, "There's a lot of sick people out there and I'm really upset this is happening.

"What if a small child swallows something. Is that what this idiot wants?"

Tanya Nguyen, who picked up some produce at the Canada Safeway at 16th Avenue and 17th Street N.W., said she'll be taking extra care to check all her food this weekend.

"I've got two teenagers that eat a ton of food, so I have to be very careful. It's sad this is happening in our community."

eferguson@theherald.canwest.com

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