Foodstuffs NZ is assuring people that the strawberries stocked on New Zealand shelves is not affected by the Queensland strawberry recall.

The discovery of sewing needles hidden inside strawberries has prompted a food recall in Queensland.

"Police are urging the community to check their strawberries after what appears to be sewing needles were located in two punnets in Yarram and Sebastopol," says a statement released by Queensland Police yesterday.

"Police are urging anyone who locates strawberries containing the needles to contact Policelink for further advice on 131 444."

Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young says anyone else who had bought the brands of strawberries without signs of tampering should return them to the store or throw them away.

Back in New Zealand, Foodstuff external relations manager Sue Hamilton says ahead of the New Zealand strawberry season kicking off, New World, PaK'n'Save and Four Square stores are stocking some Australian strawberries.

"We can assure customers that none of the fruit in our stores is in any way associated with the recall underway in Australia."