The “foreign object” was found in a banana bought as part of a pack from ALDI Strathdale on Saturday.

An ALDI Australia spokesperson said it was an isolated incident.

“As with any customer reports of this nature, this incident has been reported to the police for further investigation,” the spokesperson said.

The Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit is on the case.

Anyone found to be contaminating food products can be charged with a serious indictable offence.

Penalties include up to 10 years in jail.

Police said people should report general produce contamination, such as an item of machinery in processed food, to local councils in the first instance.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bendigo Police Station on 5448 1300 or to make a confidential report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online here.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.