Police are investigating numerous incidents of what appears to be copy-cat offending, with reports of various other types of fruit contaminated across the state.

People have been urged to report any similar cases of fruit contamination to their local police.

The Queensland Police Service will continue to investigate reports of sewing needles found inside strawberries, with assistance from Victoria Police’s Fraud and Extortion Squad.

“All contamination reports referred to police will be investigated thoroughly, with the safety and wellbeing of the public at the forefront of our minds,” A Victoria Police spokesperson said.

Anyone found to be contaminating food products can be charged with a serious indictable offence and face penalties including up to 10 years in jail.

In general produce contamination – for example, an item of machinery in processed food – a report should be filed with local councils in the first instance.

EARLIER: Wholesale demand for strawberries in Bendigo has remained steady despite the recent crisis, according to a local market buyer.

Strawberry farmers have reported a dramatic drop in sales after sewing needles were found in several punnets throughout Australia.

JL King market buyer Graeme Boyd said the Bendigo business has seen no drop in strawberry sales.

Read more: Boy arrested over pins in NSW strawberries

The business sells to local cafes, restaurants and some local supermarkets. Their strawberries are imported from Queensland, but are not from any of the affected brands.

Mr Boyd said the business had made sure to let customers know they were buying produce that hadn’t been contaminated.

“[Customers] seem to be buying exactly the same amount these days as what they were before the crisis,” Mr Boyd said.

“We’re going to stick with Queensland at the moment, because you need to keep supporting these farmers, because they’re in a bit of trouble at the moment.

“Try and keep supporting these farmers, and that’s the main thing we’re trying to get across.”

Read more: Strawberries recalled after man allegedly swallows needle

Police are now investigating more reports of sewing needles in strawberries in Victoria.

Contaminated fruit has been reported in Echuca, Belgrave and Sydenham, among other locations.

Earlier in September contaminated strawberries were found in Yarram and Ballarat.

Police say any strawberries found with sewing needles inside will be investigated by the Queensland Police Service, with assistance from Victoria Police’s Fraud and Extortion Squad detectives.

In his 21 years working for JL King Mr Boyd said he had never before seen a crisis like the current one.

“I’ve actually never heard of anything like this in fruit and vegies,” Mr Boyd said.

“I’ve worked for JL King for 21 years and I’ve never come across anything like this before.”

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