Copycats and pranksters who insert pins and needles into fruit are being hunted by police, with one boy already arrested in NSW while fresh cases continue to emerge across the state.
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Needles have been found in more than 20 punnets of strawberries across NSW and potentially 100 pieces of fruit across the nation in the week since the sabotage was first detected in Queensland.
NSW Police on Wednesday announced a $100,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction for contaminated fruit.
One young boy has already been arrested over behaviour that "could be called a prank", police said, and he would be dealt with under the youth cautioning system.
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Meanwhile reports emerged on Wednesday evening of another contaminated banana in Newcastle.
A police source told AAP they were mindful of confirming specific cases for fear of inspiring more copycats.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Scott Morrison is moving to rush harsher penalties through parliament that could see "food terrorists" face 15 years in prison as the strawberry industry is brought to its knees.
Australian Associated Press
