It wasn't strawberries, but a Whanganui woman was initially alarmed when she tipped out the fries from a McDonald's happy meal on Friday night and found a needle among them.
Ash Te Weri posted on Facebook, hoping to alert others in case someone was adding dangerously sharp items to food meant for babies and children.
Her Facebook post led to claims by some that she had only wanted attention, or compensation from McDonald's.
Te Weri also contacted McDonald's.
McDonald's New Zealand was alarmed by the incident and contacted Whanganui Police, spokesman Simon Kenny said.