Bogus tainted food tip at Saskatchewan supermarket leads to charges

A charge of public mischief has been laid after someone told workers at a northern Saskatchewan grocery store that a variety of food products on their shelves had been contaminated with a dirty needle.

RCMP at La Ronge say they immediately called health authorities after the store notified them on Monday that the food had allegedly been tainted.

As a precaution, the Mamawetan Churchill River Health Region ordered that all food be removed from the La Ronge business, as well as a store in Air Ronge and one at the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

An investigation determined the tip about the contamination was unfounded and Mounties have since arrested a 48-year-old man from Stanley Mission.

Morton Cook, who is also charged with obstructing a police officer and failing to comply with a court order, remains in custody and will appear Thursday in a La Ronge courtroom.

The health region says the risk of contracting HIV from a food source is extremely low.