Department of Health

Bacteria found in chocolate trifle (Archived content)

06/07/11
Published by Department of Health & Human Services

Victorians have been warned not to consume a Coles brand of chocolate trifle sold through Coles supermarkets after a potentially fatal bacteria was found in one batch with a use by date of July 3.

Victoria’s acting Chief Health Officer, Dr Rosemary Lester, said anyone who may still have the Coles Chocolate Trifle Twin Pack in their fridge should not eat it.

“Anyone who may have developed mild to moderate flu like symptoms after eating this product should seek medical attention and be tested for Listeriosis,” Dr Lester said.

“At this stage there have been no reports of illness associated with this product and only the product with the July 3 use by date is affected.

“The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes has been detected in a sample of Coles Chocolate Trifle Twin Pack made with a use by date of 3 July.

“The affected product was on sale from June 23 in Coles supermarkets. There were 144 cartons of the product - consisting of six twin packs to a carton - in the affected batch.

“This product has a 10-day shelf life and Coles has advised that all of the product has been sold.

“Listeria is a bacterium which is especially dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn babies and people who have other conditions which weakens their immune system.

“Symptoms caused by the illness Listeriosis usually consist initially of mild to moderate flu like symptoms, but can then develop into a much more serious illness.

“The time between eating the affected product and the development of symptoms can be anywhere from 3 to 70 days.

“The Department of Health is also issuing an alert to GPs advising them to consider a diagnosis of Listeriosis in their patients who may have consumed this product,” Dr Lester said.

Dr Lester said Coles is cooperating fully with the Department.

In Victoria so far this year there have been 12 notifications of Listeriosis, compared with 20 to the same time last year, 14 in 2009 and 9 in 2008.

For more information: Better Health Channel websiteExternal Link .

Reviewed 06 July 2011

Health.vic

Contact details

Bram Alexander Department of Health Media Unit

Mobile phone 0412 260 811
bram.alexander@health.vic.gov.au
Was this page helpful?