False claim of Queensland schoolgirl biting into strawberry containing needle
A report of a schoolgirl becoming the latest victim of the strawberry tampering saga is false.
Earlier on Tuesday, Queensland chief health officer Jeannette Young said a girl had bitten into a strawberry that contained a needle but did she not require ongoing medical attention.
Queensland Police said they had ruled out reports of the contamination incident at a school.
"Urgent inquiries conducted into the allegation determined a false report had been made," police said in a statement.
"We are confident no products have been contaminated in this instance."
Dr Young had said the case was being investigated to determine the brand of the strawberry and where it was contaminated in the food chain but would not say where the incident occurred.
"At this point in time it's really important that we're able to go and investigate these issues without having all of the details out there it will certainly help ourselves and the police in trying to come to a resolution," she said.
Dr Young had said it was too early in the investigation to know whether the latest case was as a result of a copycat.
However, it has since been revealed the latest claims were false.
Dr Young encouraged people to cut up their strawberries before eating them.
Queensland chief health officer Jeanette Young confirmed a school student had bitten into a strawberry contaminated with a needle.
Photo: AAP - Dave HuntEarlier on Tuesday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced a $1 million fund to help strawberry farmers affected by the sabotage.
Queensland Police has also posted a $100,000 reward for any information that led to the arrest of a person responsible for placing needles in strawberries.
Six brands - Berry Licious, Berry Obsession, Donnybrook, Oasis, Love Berry and Delightful Strawberries - have been recalled nationally as fresh cases of needles found in strawberries were reported in Western Australia and South Australia at the weekend.
- with Lucy Stone
Felicity Caldwell is state political reporter at the Brisbane Times
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