The $500 million strawberry industry is in the media spotlight following reports of strawberries contaminated with metal sewing needles.

Dr Kelly Choong, Lecturer in Advertising from the University of the Sunshine Coast, is available to speak with media on how the situation could affect the industry and consumer behaviour into the future.

“The companies and the government are all very transparent in their approach to this, and as long as they are being transparent about what they are doing they are on the right track,” Dr Choong said.

“They are taking the right steps and precautions by doing everything they can to protect the public and, as a result, consumer confidence will return. I don’t think this will affect the industry long-term.” 

He said contaminated blueberries had triggered a huge recall in June last year, however consumers had come to trust the brands again.

Dr Kelly Choong: 07 5456 5157, kchoong@usc.edu.au