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Several brands grown in Queensland have been withdrawn from supermarkets, and there have been multiple reports of other cases in the states of New South Wales and Victoria.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- Several brands grown in Queensland have been withdrawn from supermarkets, and there have been multiple reports of other cases in the states of New South Wales and Victoria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: Adani Bar in Jeddah
- The two-way cheese sandwiches, paired with either strawberry or blueberry jam, play on sweet and savory contrasts
Located in Al-Rawdah, Adani Bar is a small cafe founded on Yemeni tea and coffee traditions, with a menu that mixes the familiar with personal interpretation.
The focus here is clearly on Adani tea. The classic version blends milk with tea and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, cloves and habaq. It is served hot or cold and the balance remains steady in both forms.
Other drinks lean toward fusion, including the London, which combines Yemeni Haraz coffee with cinnamon paste, milk and maple syrup, and ya caramela, in which Adani tea is paired with a Haraz espresso shot and caramel sauce.
These drinks show experimentation, though some combinations feel busier than necessary and may not appeal to those who prefer simpler tastes.
Food options are limited, but show some variety nevertheless. Sandwiches such as the ultimate tuna — with sun-dried tomatoes, olives and tahini mayo — and the establishment’s turkey offering — a regional take on turkey and mozzarella — are filling without being heavy.
The two-way cheese sandwiches, paired with either strawberry or blueberry jam, play on sweet and savory contrasts.
And do not miss the lamb kebab, a new menu addition served both as a plate and a sandwich and served with yogurt, tahini and accompaniments that stay close to traditional flavors.
Desserts follow a similar approach. I tried the basboosa with Adani ice cream, which connected well with the cafe’s core theme. I also tried dibs and tahini brownies, both of which were rich and satisfying, boasting layered elements that made for generous portions.
