New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Goodfood Group Limited in its recall of a specific batch of Emborg Emmentaler cheese (200g) due to the possible presence of Listeria.
"The concern with this product is that it may contain Listeria, a foodborne bacterium that could make you sick," says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
"These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw it out."
Emborg Emmentaler 200g with a best before 05.11.26 is affected by this recall.
The affected product was imported from Germany and sold at supermarkets nationwide.
Visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page for up-to-date information and photographs of the affected product.
"Listeriosis infection can be serious among vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems," says Mr Arbuckle.
"Listeria differs to other harmful bacteria in that it can grow at refrigerator temperatures, so you have to be very careful about the foods you eat, or provide to others, if you or they are in a vulnerable group.
"It is particularly dangerous during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage, premature labour or stillbirth, and infection in the new-born baby."
Listeriosis infection in healthy adults is unlikely to be severe, at most causing mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms within a few days of eating contaminated food. For those in the vulnerable groups, it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks – or even longer – before symptoms appear.
If you have consumed any of this product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.
New Zealand Food Safety has not received any notifications of associated illness.
The products have been removed from store shelves and have not been re-exported.
The products under recall were identified through routine testing, and New Zealand Food Safety has not received any reports of associated illness.
"As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Goodfood Group Limited to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence," says Mr Arbuckle.
The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the New Zealand Food Safety food recall page.
