Australia's strawberry needle scare spurs proposal for 15-year jail term

World

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia plans to increase the maximum jail term to 15 years for anyone convicted of contaminating foodstuffs, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday, as a scare over needles found in strawberries and other fruits gripped the country.

Police are investigating more than 100 reports of needles found in fruit. Needles, first found in strawberries produced by one supplier in the northern state of Queensland, are now turning up around the country.

On Tuesday, police in New South Wales said they were investigating incidents involving an apple and a banana.

Nobody has sustained serious injury yet, and a senior Australian minister said many of the cases would turn out to be hoaxes.

But with demand plunging, strawberry farmers have been forced to dump produce, casting a shadow over an industry worth A$160 million ($115.84 million).

Comments

Still No Comments Posted.

Leave Comments

Most Reviews

November 1, 2024

- 572 - 0

Sixteen Ambassadors to conclude assignments by December

November 1, 2024

- 273 - 0

Another jeep with a false number plate used by Lohan detected

November 1, 2024

- 233 - 0

Northern Province’s Palali-Achchuveli road reopens after 30 years

The Palali-Achchuveli main road in the Northern Province was reopened today (Nov 01) after being closed for over 30 years, following a directive from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

October 29, 2024

- 231 - 0

Housemaid gets off with pilot’s baggage at BIA

A housemaid who stole a pilot’s baggage at the Bandaranaike International Airport was arrested within three hours after the robbery today, Police said.

November 1, 2024

- 223 - 0

Immigration Dept. to launch online passport appointment system

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced plans to introduce an online appointment system for passport applications, set to launch soon.

November 5, 2024

- 194 - 0