Supermarket giant Woolworths has taken the extraordinary step of withdrawing sewing needles from its shelves nationally following the fruit tampering crisis.
"We've taken the precautionary step of temporarily removing sewing needles from sale in our stores. The safety of our customers is our top priority," a Woolworths spokeswoman told AAP.
More than 100 reports of tampered fruit are being investigated by police across the country, many of which are thought to be fake or copycat cases.
In the latest case a West Gosford customer said they found a needle in a mango purchased from Coles.
One young girl has already been arrested over behaviour that "could be called a prank", acting police assistant commissioner Stuart Smith said.
“Obviously in the last few days we found a young person has admitted to a prank, including putting needles in strawberries."
WA Police issued a caution to a primary school child who falsely claimed to find a needle in a strawberry.
'Parasites' face jail time
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says the "parasites" responsible for spiking strawberries should do hard time in jail.
The government is rushing legislation through parliament to ratchet up the maximum penalties for so-called "food terrorists" from 10 to 15 years behind bars.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison wants the tough sanctions approved before federal politicians depart Canberra on Thursday.
"I'm just focused on making sure no idiot goes into a supermarket this weekend and does something ridiculous," Mr Morrison told reporters in Royalla in NSW.
"We've booked the hall in parliament for the day, we've paid the rent on it, and that means no one goes home until those bills are passed."
Needle found in strawberry punnet. Queensland Police Source: Queensland Police
Labor's shadow cabinet will meet on Thursday morning to consider the legislation.
"It's a despicable act for anything like this to happen. The full weight of the law should be thrown at people," Labor frontbencher Tony Burke told Sky News.
"We need to just make sure that we don't reach a level of hysteria at any level of government, state or federal, that also causes harm to a good industry."
Anyone who tampers with food could soon face up to 15 years' jail, in line with child pornography and terror financing offences.
There will also be a new offence of being reckless in causing harm, which will carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The most serious cases with national security implications will be covered by sabotage offences, with penalties ranging from seven to 25 years' jail.
"The reality is that ... they've got to do some time," Mr Littleproud told ABC radio.
"The one thing that people can do better than government is go and buy strawberries. Stick it up these parasites by going into the supermarkets and buying strawberries."
The agriculture minister has not received a full briefing from police as to where their investigations are at.
The Queensland and NSW governments are offering a reward to catch the culprits.
The government is also providing $1 million to make more food safety officials available to increase detection, fast-track recalls and assist the industry to rebuild confidence.
