Police in Prince Edward Island have confirmed that the metal objects recently found in six potatoes in Atlantic Canada were sewing needles.
RCMP Sgt. Leanne Butler said that metal sewing needles were also found among the french fries being produced at the Cavendish Farms production facility in the town of New Annan, P.E.I. She said officers will be expanding their investigation to include the facility.
"It appears the metal sewing needles were intentionally placed in the potatoes prior to the potatoes being sent to the production facility," Butler told The Canadian Press.
Officers released photos Wednesday of the potatoes with the metal needles inserted in them. Butler would not say exactly how many needles were found.
Cavendish said all the fries from the same production run containing the needles are being destroyed, and all the raw potatoes that may have been involved are under investigation.
Four of the tampered potatoes were found in Newfoundland and Labrador, one was found in Nova Scotia and one in New Brunswick.
Butler said the latest report of a tampered potato was reported to police after a consumer bought a bag of potatoes in Fredericton on Oct. 6.
Officers believe all of the tampered potatoes came from Linkletter Farms in Summerside, P.E.I.
Linkletter said it immediately notified the Canadian Food Inspection Agency when it discovered the needles last week. The company also pulled its Link and Market Town brand products.
Police are asking consumers in Atlantic Canada to check for metal objects in all potatoes supplied by Linkletter. Anyone who find any objects are being asked to contact police.
With files from CTV Atlantic and The Canadian Press
