>Needles have been found inside strawberries in two more Australian states, police said on Monday, broadening a health scare that has caused supermarkets to recall brands and farmers to dump fruit amid the peak growing season.
>Seven brands of strawberries in Australia are now believed to be contaminated with needles and pins, according to police reports, prompting warnings from authorities to slice the fruit before eating.
>Both of New Zealand’s biggest supermarket chains decided on Monday to halt Australian strawberry orders and MPs have suggested a temporary moratorium on all Australian produce until the matter is conclusively resolved.
>The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is also due to hold an emergency meeting to discuss a possible ban on Australian fruit products.