September 13, 2018
Health authorities are advising people to cut up all strawberries before eating them after a suspected copycat contamination incident.
Police are making inquiries after a thin metal object was found in a punnet of strawberries at a supermarket in Gatton.
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Terry Lawrence said this appeared to be a copycat incident, but police would keep an open mind.
Investigators have also now confirmed a fourth incident related to the original needle scare, which targeted two brands of strawberries: “Berry Obsession” and “Berry Licious”.
The latest contaminated strawberries were found by a customer in Gladstone.
Of the four confirmed incidents so far, two each occurred in Queensland and Victoria.
It is understood the brands were sold in stores in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and the ACT.
Police have liaised with retailers to ensure all stock is removed from sale.
They are urging anyone who finds strawberries containing needles to contact Policelink for further advice on 13-14-44.
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said anyone who had Berry Licious or Berry Obsession strawberries at home should not use them.
If you are in doubt of the brand, throw them out.
“For other brands, our advice is all strawberries should be cut up before they are eaten,” Dr Young said.
“Strawberries are a great fruit, and people should continue to buy them, but everyone should simply cut them up.”
- Related article: Needle Scare In Strawberries
