Now, we are doing it again – but this time, not because of the dry weather, but because of a deliberate act by a person or persons wishing to cause harm to innocent people. 

We’re of course talking about strawberry and other fruit farmers and those who are putting foreign objects into the fruit before they land on the shelves for people to purchase. 

Local grocers have said even they are feeling the pinch from these acts which have been labelled as ‘food terrorism’. 

The contamination scare has spread to six states with apples and bananas also reported to be affected in so far one-off incidents. 

Shelves that were once full of strawberries are now full of other fruit as notices announce that certain brands have been taken off the shelves for fear of contamination. 

Farmers whose livelihoods depend on sales are suffering. 

It’s a serious offence and one that’s being looked closely at by those in parliament. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced urgent and harsh new penalties for contaminating food. 

The Prime Minister is asking the attorney general to consider increasing the penalty for food contamination from 10 to 15 years, in a move to deter those considering tampering with fruit in the future. 

When you think that you can get 15 years for something like possessing child pornography or financing terrorism you can see just how serious it’s being taken. 

There is something you can do to help. 

Egg cutters are being shown across social media as a simple way of cutting up your strawberries before you eat them. Peeling apples and slicing them, and cutting up a banana before munching down makes it easy to see if there is anything in there that shouldn’t be – and if there is, contact your local police asap. 

Cutting things up is a simple task that can really help those in the industry who are suffering as people steer clear from the fruit and vegetable isle. 

So, grab your knife, your egg cutter or whatever you have and chop your fruit. Let’s not let our farmers suffer any more than they are already. 

Do you have something to say? You can send your letters to our editor at lynn.rayner@fairfaxmedia.com.au. Letters should be no longer than 300 words.