Canberrans who have bought fresh strawberries recently are being urged to check the brand after sewing needles were found in some berries interstate.
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ACT chief health officer Dr Paul Kelly said no contaminated Berry Liscious or Berry Obsession strawberries had been reported in the territory, but encouraged caution.
Dr Kelly's warning comes after a Queensland man was hospitalised after he bit into a strawberry and swallowed half a sewing needle. A Queensland woman also posted photos online showing sabotaged strawberries that she had almost fed to her son.
Contaminated strawberries were also found in two cases in Victoria.
Police in Queensland, where the affected strawberries were grown, believe the contamination is deliberate.
Dr Kelly urged any Canberrans in doubt to throw their strawberries out.
He said the affected brands had been available at Woolworths supermarkets in the ACT, but were taken off shelves as of midday on Wednesday.
They were also removed from sale in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
“Berry Liscious and Berry Obsession are the only brands of concern and the contaminated fruit is no longer available for sale,” Dr Kelly said.
“However, if people don’t know what brand of strawberries they have, and they want to be ultra-cautious, then I would advise they throw the strawberries out.
“People who have purchased fresh strawberries and then frozen them without the packaging for later use should be particularly cautious.
“You may not know the brand of strawberries you have purchased.
“If in doubt, throw them out.”
The strawberries were grown on a south-east Queensland farm.
Queensland Strawberry Growers Association industry development officer Jennifer Rowling claimed in a statement on Wednesday evening that a "disgruntled ex-employee" may be responsible for the contamination.
Anyone who discovers contaminated strawberries in the ACT should call the Health Protection Service on 6205 1700.
