Strawberry sabotage

Sydney – Australian police said yesterday they are investigating reports of dozens of cases of needles embedded in strawberries and other fruits, and warned that those responsible could be jailed for 10 years.

The issue is fast turning into one of Australia’s biggest food scares that has halted exports to New Zealand and forced at least one strawberry farm to start dumping its fruit at the peak of the season. Another farm is installing metal detectors, media reported.

The needles, originally found in strawberries produced from one supplier in the northern state of Queensland, are now turning up around the country.

The strawberry industry is worth A$160 million (about R1.7 billion). – Reuters