PA Teen Supermarket Employee To Face Charges For Putting Needles In Food: Latest

PENNSYLVANIA — A teenager who worked at an eastern Pennsylvania grocery store will face criminal chages after putting needles into food items, according to state police and store officials.

It's not clear exactly what charges will be filed against the teen, who is under 18 and has not been identified. The incidents occurred at the store on 7150 Hamilton Boulevard in Trexlertown in Lehigh County.

No other stores were impacted, Giant said. The teenager was fired.

"The company has also notified Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and is fully cooperating with law enforcement on their investigation," a spokesperson for Giant told Patch. "The company will pursue charges against the individual responsible to the fullest extent possible by law."

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Needles were placed in fresh bagged green beans, loose sweet yellow and white onions, asparagus, placed in dog and cat food and treats, Tastycakes, instant mashed potatoes, sponges, and more.

Giant became aware of the issue on Monday following an internal investigation and surveillance video, they told Patch.

Pennsylvania State Police were notified on Wednesday and told the public on Thursday. It's believed that the needles were put in the food after 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 13.

"Troopers are recommending customers who have purchased grocery items from this store between Thursday, April 13, 2023, and Wednesday, April 19, 2023, check the purchased items for any tampering," state police said Thursday.

The investigation remains underway. If you have any information, call the Pennsylvania State Police Fogelsville Criminal Investigation Unit at (610) 395 – 1438.