Urgent recall after needle found inside Woolworths strawberries

Australians are being encouraged to check their fridges and freezers for strawberries that may be contaminated with needles.

Queensland Health has issued an urgent recall of strawberries after a needle was found inside a punnet sold over the past week. On Wednesday, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young advised anyone who has purchased strawberries from the Berry Liscious and Berry Obsession brands to dispose of their fruit immediately.

Queensland Health has also advised for anyone concerned they may have consumed the contaminated strawberries to contact 13 43 25 84 or speak to their GP immediately.

The warning was issued after Joshua Gane posted a photo on Facebook of a needle inside a strawberry his friend had purchased from Woolworths.

“Just posting this as a warning to anyone that has bought strawberries (Berry Obsessions) from Woolworths recently,” Gane wrote on September 9. “Driving up to the coast when Hoani van Dorp bites through a strawberry and swallows half a sewing needle. We then checked the other strawberries and found another sewing needle lodged inside one of them.”

At the time, Gane said his friend was experiencing abdominal pain and explained he wanted to share the post so children didn’t have to endure similar pain.

“We are now at the ER because he subsequently started experiencing severe abdominal pain,” he continued. “Just being a helpful member of the community and making sure your children don’t have to endure what we have had to experience today. Please make your family and friends aware.”

He also explained that since the ordeal a few days ago, the Woolworths store manager advised him all Berry Liscious and Berry Obsession punnets have been recalled from the supermarket’s shelves. The supplier, police and health and safety officials have also been contacted.

“They suspect it is foul play, but unsure whether it was via the supplier, Woolworths or a customer,” Gane said. “We will post further updates to keep the community informed.”

The strawberries in question were purchased from Woolworths at the Strathpine Centre, in the north of Brisbane.

Queensland Police said it will be safe to purchase the strawberries from Thursday. 

People can go back & buy strawberries from tomorrow – affected punnets would have expired & they are no longer on the shelves. @qldhealthnews

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) September 12, 2018

If concerned, throw away any strawberries and seek medical attention from your GP if you’re experiencing pain.

Have you purchased these strawberries recently? Are you concerned you’ve eaten contaminated strawberries?