Food scrutinised after WA mine poisoning

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GINA Rinehart’s Roy Hill mining company has told caterers to tighten food security after a worker at its West Australian site bit into a poisoned piece of fruit.

THE contractor employee was dining at the remote Pilbara site on Monday when he said he noticed the fruit had a bad taste and an unusual colour.

He alerted mess hall staff who contacted police. The worker has been tested and shows no signs of ill health. Analysis of the fruit in Perth confirmed the presence of a dangerous chemical late on Wednesday, and major crime squad detectives are investigating the suspected poisoning. Chief executive Barry Fitzgerald said he had been asked by police not to reveal what type of poison was found. He said he was unaware whether the poisoner had targeted any particular person. “We have received no information from any parties about that matter,” Mr Fitzgerald told ABC radio on Thursday. “Our view and certainly that of the police is that this is very much an isolated incident.” He said the company had increased its vigilance regarding food security. “We have communicated with the catering company and workforce, telling employees they need to be on the lookout for anything unusual.”