SOUTH Australian Police in conjunction with SA Health are advising members of the public to check punnets of Mal’s Black Label strawberries following a report of a needle found inside the fruit over the weeekend.
A member of the public reported purchasing a punnet of Mal’s Black Label strawberries on Saturday from Klose’s Foodland Supermarket at Littlehampton.
When the fruit was consumed, a needle was found inside one of the strawberries.
There were no reported injuries.
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.
SA Health was notified on Friday a brand of strawberries sold in South Australia was linked to the contamination, which impacted the eastern states last week.
SA Health’s public health services acting director Dr Chris Lease said Queensland Health alerted SA Health to a third brand of contaminated strawberries.
“Queensland Health has found another brand of strawberries, Donnybrook strawberries, is associated with the contamination,” Dr Lease said.
“These strawberries are distributed in South Australia by Coles, Woolworths, IGA and Aldi.”
Police confirmed late yesterday they were investigating a further incident after a shopper reported finding a metal object embedded in a strawberry from a punnet of Mal’s Black Label strawberries purchased at the Adelaide Fresh Fruiterers shop, Main South Road, Morphett Vale.
The Mal’s Black Label strawberries became the fourth brand to be affected by contamination, following Donnybrook.
At least seven brands of strawberries have now been affected, including Donnybrook Berries, Love Berry, Delightful Strawberries, Oasis brands, Berry Obsession, Berry Licious and Mal’s Black Label strawberries.
Police are investigating.
Police are urging anyone who may have purchased a punnet of Mal’s Black Label strawberries from Foodland at Littlehampton to check the product before consumption.
SA Health advises if consumers are concerned about other brands of strawberries they should chop them before consumption.
Contact police immediately if you find any contaminated fruit on 131 444.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information relating to who may be responsible.
