<p>The strawberry needle contamination saga</a> in Australia has resulted in farmers using metal detectors in their packing sheds, in order to scan each punnet for embedded needles.</p><p>In this video, Pinata Farms, located in Wamuran, Queensland, showcases their newly-implemented metal detector, exhibiting how any punnets containing metal would automatically shoot off the conveyor belt into a bin.</p><p>The strawberry contamination scare in Australia began on Sunday, September 9, when a Brisbane man swallowed</a> a fragment of needle embedded in a strawberry. Over the following week, a mounting number of reports were submitted to police, prompting the recall of strawberries from supermarkets nationwide.</p><p>Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Friday, September 14, the state government would offer a $100,000 reward for information about the culprit. The government also pledged</a> $1 million to an assistance fund to support growers.</p><p>By Tuesday, September 18, there had been reports of contaminated fruit in six states</a>.</p><p>Police said the crimes could result in 10 years’ jail</a> and were clearly intended to hurt people. Credit: Pinata Farms via Storyful</p><br />
