The strawberry needle contamination saga in Australia has resulted in farmers using metal detectors in their packing sheds, in order to scan each punnet for embedded needles.

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.

The strawberry contamination scare in Australia began on Sunday, September 9, when a Brisbane man swallowed 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.

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 $1 million to an assistance fund to support growers.

By Tuesday, September 18, there had been reports of contaminated fruit in six states.

Police said the crimes could result in 10 years’ jail and were clearly intended to hurt people. Credit: Pinata Farms via Storyful