“It’s food terrorism”.
Major supermarket chains Coles and ALDI have pulled all strawberries from their shelves across seven states as the mystery of the needle filled fruit deepens.
Last week, sewing needles were found planted in strawberries in four separate cases across Australia. The contamination saw six different brands of strawberries issue recalls, and has been called “food terrorism” by Strawberries Australia Inc Queensland.
Image: Facebook/Stevenson
Coles and ALDI’s decision to pull the punnets comes due to fears for customers safety.
“Coles has complied with Queensland Health’s request to remove Donnybrook Strawberries from sale following reports of product contamination,” its spokesman said.
“As a precaution, Coles is also withdrawing all brands and sizes of Queensland grown strawberry punnets from sale in Coles Supermarkets in all states (except Western Australia), in Coles Express stores and via Coles online.”
Woolworths has kept unaffected brands available for purchase.
Police suspect the needles were deliberately planted. Queensland police are leading a state-wide investigation into the source of the sewing needles with QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk offering a reward of $100,000 for any information that leads to the apprehension of the culprits.
The following brands have been affected: Berry Obsession, Berry Licious, Love Berry, Donnybrook Berries, Delightful Strawberries and Oasis.
Police have asked anyone who finds a needle in their strawberries to take their punnet to the local police station.
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Written by Kate Stevens
Image: Unsplash/Facebook
