SYDNEY: An Australian state has offered a large reward for information after sewing needles were found in strawberries sold in supermarkets, in what the federal health minister described as a “vicious crime.”
The issue came to light last week when a man was taken to hospital with stomach pains after eating the fresh produce bought at a supermarket in Queensland state.
Since then, people have posted on social media photos of other strawberries with small metal pins stuck into them.
Several brands grown in Queensland have been withdrawn from supermarkets, and there have been multiple reports of other cases in the states of New South Wales and Victoria.
“Whoever is behind this is not just putting families at risk across Queensland and the rest of Australia — they are putting an entire industry at risk,” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Saturday.
Her government is offering a Aus$100,000 ($71,500) reward for any information that leads to the capture and conviction of those responsible.
“I would urge anyone with information that may be relevant to this incident in any way to contact police as soon as possible,” she added.
Queensland Police told national broadcaster ABC the contamination of the strawberries — usually sold in small plastic boxes called punnets — was done “obviously to injure somebody.”
They have yet to reveal possible motives but the Queensland Strawberry Growers Association said a disgruntled former worker might be responsible.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said Sunday he had ordered the national food safety watchdog to assess the handling of the cases, calling the sabotage a “very vicious crime.”
The Queensland strawberry industry is valued at about Aus$160 million ($114 million). The ABC said Saturday wholesale prices had fallen by half to 50 Australian cents per punnet, below the cost of production.
Consumers have been urged to cut up their strawberries before eating.
Australia offers reward amid mystery strawberry needle scare
Australia offers reward amid mystery strawberry needle scare
- Several brands grown in Queensland have been withdrawn from supermarkets, and there have been multiple reports of other cases in the states of New South Wales and Victoria
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Go Greek’ in Jeddah
- The dark blue-and-white-themed story with pink bougainvillea tucked in corners gives off a nice, cool, fresh vibe
While doomscrolling on social media before bed one night, my phone flashed a post about a brand new place called Go Greek that had just opened in Jeddah. I saved it like I always do, but quite unusually, I did not conveniently forget about it.
So, a few days later after dinner my husband and I drove to one of the new hot spots in town, La Paz Plaza, which houses Jeddah’s Go Greek store.
It was crowded with the queue spilling out of the doors — but rightfully so, because when we got our hands on the yogurt bowls, it was clear why: They were seriously so good! It makes you want to go back for more.
The dark blue-and-white-themed story with pink bougainvillea tucked in corners gives off a nice, cool, fresh vibe.
The store has four large vending machines, each with two flavor options.
You can sample the flavors before you fill your cup depending on your appetite. You are then guided to the next station to choose toppings, with myriad options ranging from different kinds of berries and tropical fruits to seeds, granolas and crumbles.
I went for the dark chocolate and vanilla cup, and my husband chose the pineapple and coconut-flavored cup, which tasted remarkably like pina colada. The yogurt was fresh, rich and creamy, with the berries giving it the right kick of tanginess, while the chia seeds and granola delivered the perfect texture and crunch.
Payment is done by the gram, weighed right in front of you.
On another counter, they also have plain, Lotus Biscoff and honey-flavored yogurts. I bought a few grams from each to have it at home the next day; and the Lotus Biscoff and honey-flavored ones are indulgent on their own, with no toppings needed.
Staff members are polite and attentive, and the service efficient. It is definitely worth a visit.
