Primary Industries Minister Sarah Courtney said the state needed to support farmers and growers through this challenging time.

“While we can be prudent and cut up our fruit, and I urge all Tasmanians to do that, I would also encourage people to continue buying fruit,” she said.

Ms Courtney said she welcomed the federal government’s strengthening of food contamination laws.

RELATED STORIES:

“We do not want to see people tampering with food in any way in Tasmania or across Australia,” she said.

“It’s important that we remain vigilant. The police will fully investigate these scenarios and these allegations that have happened across Tasmania.

“I can assure Tasmanians, if there are any instances found of people engaging in illegal activity they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Ms Courtney said she hoped the issue would be solved by the time strawberry season began in Tasmania from late October.

While you're with us, did you know that you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates direct to your inbox? Sign up here.