Needle found in strawberry at Pinjarra school

PIC: File

Parents and guardians are being cautioned after a student discovered the pierced fruit in their lunchbox.

A letter sent home to parents and guardians of students at Pinjarra Senior High School has cautioned them on sending children to school with whole strawberries in the wake of the needle scandal.

Western Australian Police have confirmed they are investigating a case at the secondary school, where a student had a contaminated strawberry in their recess.

In a letter to parents the school said the student "did not ingest the needle and did not suffer any harm or injury."

The discovery comes as WA Police confirm additional incidents of strawberries with needles hidden in them this week.

On Wednesday morning authorities confirmed they were investigating 10 cases of the contaminated fruit, including incidents at four schools across the state. 

New South Wales Police have arrested one young boy after he admitted to spiking a strawberry as a prank.

A primary-school aged girl also from NSW, told authorities she had done the same thing. She was issued a caution for her actions.

The Department of Health WA said they are working closely with police to investigate the original culprit and help convict all those involved with spiking fruit.

Environmental Health Executive Director Jim Dodds said strawberries remain safe for purchase and consumption, however, as a precaution, all fruit should be washed and cut before eating.

A $100,000 reward was also offered to anyone providing information that led to conviction of a saboteur.

 

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