NSW Health is warning against eating a number of 1 kg Jindi and Wattle Valley-branded soft cheeses sold at delicatessens and independent supermarkets throughout Australia with best before dates of 21 December 2012
A national investigation is currently underway into a cluster of eight cases of listeria infection and three other cases possibly linked to the cluster.
“Of the eight linked cases there has been three cases in New South Wales, two in Victoria and one case each in Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia” said Dr Jeremy McAnulty, Director of Health Protection, NSW.
The Victorian produced brie and camembert cheeses of concern are 1kg Jindi brie, 1kg Jindi camembert, 1kg Wattle Valley double brie and 1kg Wattle Valley camembert - all with a best before date of December 21 2012.
These products have been voluntarily recalled nationally as a precaution, due to the potential risk of listeria infection.
Consumers are advised to check the best before date of any Jindi or Wattle Valley soft cheeses and if from the identified batch they should discard it or return to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers who have purchased a cut portion of camembert or brie from a supermarket or delicatessen who are unsure of the brand should discard it.
“Listeria infection is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, their unborn babies and elderly people. It can cause miscarriages in pregnant women and death in people with compromised immune systems” said Dr McAnulty.
“Investigations into listeria are complex as it can be difficult to identify the source. Symptoms of illness can take up to 70 days to appear.”
Healthy people usually show only mild symptoms. However, in people at risk, early symptoms of listeria infection include fever, headache, tiredness and aches and pains.
The manufacturer of the cheese, Jindi Cheese Pty Ltd, is licensed with Dairy Food Safety Victoria and is fully co-operating with the investigation.
For more information visit Listeriosis.