BY SUSAN BRYANT

sbryant@tnonline.com

Troopers from Pennsylvania State Police, Fogelsville, Criminal Investigation Unit arrested a juvenile on April 24, a former employee of Giant, for alleged food tampering incidents at the Giant, 7150 Hamilton Blvd., Lower Macungie Township.

The following charges were sent to Lehigh County Juvenile Court: three counts of recklessly endangering another person, a second degree misdemeanor, and one count criminal mischief, a summary offense, police say.

According to police, a total of 11 needles were placed in merchandise at the store.

There were no injuries sustained by customers as a result of this incident.

Upon further investigation, state police identified additional food items that may have been affected by this incident.

Customers who purchased King Hawaiian Bread Rolls and StarKist Light Tuna Large pouch (pouches larger than 2.6 oz.) who suspect the packages have been tampered with are asked to return these items to Giant and contact the Pennsylvania State Police Fogelsville Criminal Investigation Unit at 610-395-1438.

Customers who used a Giant rewards card that is on file have been contacted if an item they purchased was possibly affected.

According to police, on April 19, Troopers from State Police Troop M, Fogelsville, were dispatched to the store for the report of food tampering.

Police say it was determined an employee had put sewing needles into grocery items, which were purchased and returned by customers.

Further investigation revealed the items that have been affected were bagged vegetables and individual Tastykake packaging, police say.

Troopers are recommending customers who have purchased grocery items from this store between April 13 and 19, check the purchased items for any tampering.

This investigation remains ongoing and will continue to be updated as needed.