Strawberries sold in Woolworths found with sewing needles embedded inside

Police and health authorities are investigating after sewing needles were found inside strawberries sold at Woolworths, which police believe were inserted deliberately "to injure somebody".

Queensland chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young has advised anyone who bought two brands of strawberries — Berry Licious and Berry Obsession — since the start of last week in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria to throw them out.

She said the contaminated brands came from a farm in south-east Queensland, and were sold to Woolworths, but could also have been distributed to other stores.

"If they do have any strawberries it would be safest to dispose of them," Dr Young said.

She said three incidents have been reported to police, including one in Queensland and two in Victoria.

"One person did consume a contaminated strawberry and they're being assessed at the moment," she said.

A Facebook user posted a warning several days ago about a punnet of Berry Obsession strawberries purchased from Woolworths at the Strathpine Centre on Brisbane's northside, after his friend swallowed "half a sewing needle".

"We then checked the other strawberries and found another sewing needle lodged inside one of them," Joshua Gane said.

"We are now at the ER because he subsequently started experiencing severe abdominal pain."

Mr Gane later said they received a call from the store manager at the Strathpine Centre who said it would be issuing a total recall on all of the punnets.

"They suspect it is foul play, but unsure whether it was via the supplier, Woolworths or a customer," the post said.

Queensland Acting Chief Superintendent Terry Lawrence from the State Crime Command said police believed the contamination was deliberate.

"[It's been done] obviously to injure somebody," he said.

"Police have spoken to the person who operates the farm and they are assisting us with our inquiries," he said.

Authorities across the three states were investigating to find the culprits.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Woolworths said it had taken the contaminated strawberries from the shelves, while the incident was being investigated with the suppliers.

"Customers are advised to return these products to their local Woolworths for a full refund," the spokesperson said.

Police believe they have contained the threat and assured consumers would be able to safely buy strawberries again from tomorrow, when stock is replaced.

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