Product contamination: QPS investigation concluded

28 May 2008

A Queensland Police led investigation has concluded its criminal investigation into a series of suspect food contamination reports.

A joint national police investigation has established a number of metal objects discovered in products bought at supermarkets in Queensland, NSW, South Australia and WA were not caused by deliberate tampering, but rather were the result of a faulty cooking implement used in consumers’ homes.

Supt Gayle Hogan, who headed the investigation, said: "Thanks to a thorough investigation and a great deal of cooperation among various stakeholders, we are satisfied no criminal offence has taken place."

The contaminants have been confirmed as belonging to metal tongs, commonly used in food preparation, cooking and serving.

The metal pieces, about 4cm long and 1cm wide, have fragmented from the tongs, close to the hinge.

A Queensland Health spokesperson said there had been no reported instances of injury but anyone using metal kitchen tongs is urged to be vigilant when preparing and cooking food.

The matter has been referred to the Office of Fair Trading, the Department of Justice and Attorney-General which is working to identify the faulty tongs.

Also on this site

• Metal pieces investigation update news 8 April 2008