The New South Wales Police Chief Health officer has addressed the media following “over 20 cases” of reported needles in strawberries across six states – as well as the discovery of a needle inserted into a banana and also an apple in Sydney’s north-west.
Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty told journalists a large number of incidents had been reported and, while all were being treated as genuine, he indicated there would be no tolerance for “self-contamination”.
Such offences carried a 10-year jail sentence, he said.
He also urged the public to contact authorities if they come across any contaminated fruit as the consequences are “dire”.
7 News exclusively confirmed that a needle was found inside an apple after a mother in Sydney suburb Kellyville found the needle whilst peeling the piece of fruit for her daughters on Tuesday morning.
“I just thought wow this can not be happening,” she told 7. “I actually thought these were safe”.
This news comes less than a week after six brands of Australian strawberries were recalled across the nation due to sewing needle contamination.
A manhunt is underway for the culprit, with Queensland State Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has offered a reward of $100,000 for anyone with information that leads to the capture of those responsible.
If you have any information, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
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