Potato tampering reward doubled to $100K

The reward being offered for information leadingto the arrest of anyone who put sewing needles in P.E.I. potatoes has doubled.

Industry groups and the provincial government have raised thereward to $100,000 from the initial offer of $50,000.

The P.E.I. Potato Board says several groups, including a Manitobagrower-owned vegetable supplier, are contributing funds.

The board says the industry wants to try to ensure the safety of the food supply by trying to determine how the needles made their way into the potatoes.

The reward was offered after about 10 potatoes in bagspurchased in grocery stores throughout the Maritimes were found tohave sewing needles inserted into the flesh.

All the potatoes came from Linkletter Farms and as many as800,000 pounds were recalled.

The money will be given to anyone who provides information beforeJan. 31 that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.