The Australian Government Has Issued a Warning About People Putting Needles in Fruit

From Delish

Australia is facing a nationwide scare around fruit after reports emerged of people finding needles in their strawberries. Now, the government is cracking down. So far, BBC News reports, authorities are investigating 100 reports of people finding needles in strawberries and other fruits-though some of them may be hoaxes or false alarms.

Scott Morrison, the prime minister of Australia, posted a video on Twitter warning people against not only putting needles in fruit, but also creating staged photos to go viral on social media. He is introducing new laws increasing the maximum jail time for contaminating food or recklessly contaminating fruit from 10 years to 15 years, according to Australia’s ABC News.

“I know many Australians are very concerned about what’s been happening with the strawberries, and what some idiot has done in disrupting and damaging an entire industry and making parents worried all around the country,” he said. “It’s not funny. It’s not right. It’s causing real distress and harm in our community, and it’s got to stop.”

So far, one boy was arrested after he admitted to putting needles in fruits as a copycat prank, authorities said. The Australian government has pledged $1 million AUS ($720,000) to boost the strawberry industry during this time, and three Australian states have offered $100,000 AUS ($72,000) rewards to anyone who has information about the contamination. “You're a coward and you're a grub and if you do that sort of thing in this country we will come after you," Morrison said to any potential culprits Wednesday, CNN reports.

Meanwhile, a social media campaign has popped up encouraging Australians to keep eating strawberries to support local farmers-just cut them up before chowing down.

('You Might Also Like',)

• Key Lime Bars

• Insanely Easy Weeknight Dinners To Try This Week

• 29 Insanely Delicious Vodka Cocktails