Australia: Strawberry Strawberries: Woolworths interrupts sales of sewing needles

Australian supermarket giant Woolworths has temporarily removed sewing needles from its shelves as the country faces a strawberry safety alert.

Last week, Australians were warned to cut fresh strawberries before biting them after several people found sewing needles hidden inside the fruit.

Several strawberry brands have been removed from stores across the country.

A nationwide survey on fear has been launched since the public is alarmed.

The government also announced that it would introduce tougher criminal penalties for anyone who handled food.

Some strawberry producers have said that public concerns are fueled by hysteria.

But Woolworths said that the safety of its customers was its priority and that the removal of sewing needles from its shelves across the country was a safety measure.

"We have taken precautionary measures to temporarily remove sewing needles from our stores throughout the country," said the supermarket at the BBC.

Woolworths could not say how long they would keep their sewing needles.