Strawberries sold in Woolworths found with sewing needles embedded inside
Queensland's police and health authorities are investigating after sewing needles were found inside strawberries bought from Woolworths.
Chief Health Office Dr Jeannette Young has advised anyone who bought strawberries since the start of last week in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, to throw them out.
"If they do have any strawberries it would be safest to dispose of them," she said.
"One person did consume a contaminated strawberry and they're being assessed at the moment."
She said three incidents have been reported to police, including one in Queensland and two in Victoria.
Dr Young said the brands contaminated were called Berrylicious and Berry Obsession and have come from a farm in south-east Queensland.
A Facebook user posted a warning several days ago about a punnet of Berry Obsession strawberries, which were purchased from Woolworths at the Strathpine Centre on Brisbane's northside.
Joshua Gane said he was driving up to the coast when his friend bit into a strawberry and swallowed "half a sewing needle".
"We then checked the other strawberries and found another sewing needle lodged inside one of them," he said.
"We are now at the ER because he subsequently started experiencing severe abdominal pain."
Mr Gane later said they received a call from the store manager at the Strathpine Centre who said it would be issuing a total recall on all of the punnets.
"They suspect it is foul play, but unsure whether it was via the supplier, Woolworths or a customer," the post said.
Acting Chief Superintendent Terry Lawrence from the State Crime Command said police believe the contamination was deliberate.
"[It's been done] obviously to injure somebody," he said.
"Police have spoken to the person who operates the farm and they are assisting us with our inquiries," he said.
Authorities across the three states were investigating to find the culprits.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Woolworths said it had taken the contaminated strawberries from the shelves, while the incident was being investigated with the suppliers.
"Customers are advised to return these products to their local Woolworths for a full refund," the spokesperson said.
Police believe they have contained the threat and assured consumers would be able to safely buy strawberries again from tomorrow when the stock is replaced.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/strawberries-sold-in-woolworths-found-with-sewing-needles-e...
Guess I'll be chopping mine and not eating them whole.
They are not from the farms mentioned, but I'm not taking any chances.
