Needles found embedded in Woolies strawberries
Thousands of punnets are recalled
Sewing needles have been found threaded into a number of strawberries in Victoria and Queensland.
Authorities are investigating the contamination after a man reported swallowing a strawberry with a needle on Sunday.
Two men bought a punnet from a Strathpine store in Queensland, with one of them biting into a berry and swallowing half a needle.
3ba.com.au
Police believe that the needles were deliberately inserted, and the growers say a disgruntled ex-employee may be to blame.
Industry Development Officer Jennifer Rowling released a statement which read: ‘The Queensland Strawberry Growers Association have reason to suspect that a disgruntled ex-employee may have orchestrated the occurrence, wherein sewing needles were found in a number of strawberries, in Queensland and Victoria.’
The brands in question are Berry Obsession and Berry Licious. Authorities are liaising with retailers to ensure all stock is removed from sale.
Nicola Conville has worked as a journalist and editor for more than 20 years across a wide range of print and online publications. Her areas of expertise are parenting, health and travel. She has two children; Lucy, age eight, and Nathan, age five.
