South Australia confirms first contaminated strawberry case

The contaminated strawberry case has continued to spread across the country with South Australia reporting its first needle in the fruit over the weekend.

On Sunday night SA Police released a warning, urging residents in the state to check punnets of Mal’s Black Label strawberries after a needle was found in the fruit that morning.

According to the statement a member of the public purchased the strawberries on Saturday afternoon from Klose’s Foodland Supermarket at Littlehampton in the Adelaide Hills. The needle was found the next morning and thankfully no injuries were reported.

“The punnet was immediately returned to the store and the business advised of the incident. The store removed all remaining stock from its shelves and at all other Klose’s Foodland locations,” the statement read.

Police are currently investigating the case and have asked anyone who purchased strawberries from the Littlehampton store to check fruit prior to consumption.

SA Health have also urged the public to cut up strawberries before eating them to ensure they are not contaminated.

Read more: Six strawberry brands ‘contaminated’, as government offers six figure reward

This latest news follows reports that a total of six brands could be affected by the contamination.

On Friday it was reported that punnets produced by ‘Berry Obsession’, ‘Berry Licious’ and ‘Donnybrook Strawberries’ had been pulled from the shelves of major supermarkets across the entire country, however three more brands have since been added to that list, with NSW Police confirming they could also be contaminated.

A force spokesperson said: “Whilst three brands – “Berry Obsession”, “Berry Licious”, and “Donnybrook Berries” – have been recalled nationwide, it is now believed the contamination may also affect – “Love Berry”, “Delightful Strawberries”, and “Oasis” brands of strawberries.

“These brands are believed to be sold in stores in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. Police are continuing to liaise with retailers to ensure that all stock from the affected date have been removed from sale.”

Read more: Disgruntled ex-employee blamed for planting needles in strawberries

The news was followed by an announcement by Queensland Government who, according to the ABC, are offering a reward of $100,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible for contaminating strawberries with sewing needles.

An urgent recall was originally issued on Wednesday following the discovery of needles planted inside the fruit, with Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young advising anyone who has purchased strawberries from the Berry Liscious and Berry Obsession brands to dispose of their fruit immediately.

Starts at 60 contacted Klose’s Supermarkets outside of business hours for a comment.

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