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.

Strawberries Australia Inc., the country's largest strawberry producer, declined to comment on this Woolworths initiative.

But many strawberry producers in Australia remain frustrated and angry at what they say has been an exaggerated reaction to this scandal.

Woolworths stated that the safety of its customers was its priority and that the removal of sewing needles from its shelves was a safety measure.

"We have taken precautionary measures by temporarily removing the sewing needles from our stores across the country," said the supermarket at the BBC, without specifying the duration of the move.

Sydney-based brand expert Paul Nelson said the Woolworths action could be seen as an "instinctive reaction" to the crisis.

They could "try to do their part" to help farmers grapple with the consequences of clinging to tablets, he said. assistant".