In brief
Police in Western Australia charged a 43‑year‑old woman with endangering a coworker after she allegedly added snail pellets to a curry dish. The incident involved bright green granules that left a 58‑year‑old staff member with numbness after tasting the food. Authorities traced the toxin, metaldehyde, to a chemical storage shed linked to the accused. A court hearing is set for 5 November, as experts warn of serious health risks.
Police in the state of Western Australia say a 43‑year‑old woman has been charged after allegedly adding snail poison to a curry she had prepared for colleagues.
The 58‑year‑old victim, who made the dish in February, reported bright green granules in the food and numbness on her tongue when she returned to eat leftovers the following day.
According to the investigation, the accused visited a chemical storage shed before returning to the staffroom where the curry was kept.
Detectives later identified the contaminant as metaldehyde, a toxic compound used in snail pellets that can cause serious injury or death if ingested.
Commissioner Col Blanch praised the victim for noticing something off about the meal, noting that early detection may have prevented further harm.
The accused will appear in court on 5 November to face charges of endangering the life, health or safety of another person.
