Department of Health

Urgent recall for imported cheese product

07/03/14
Published by Department of Health & Human Services

Urgent recall for imported cheese product

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Rosemary Lester, has warned against eating an imported cheese which may still be in fridges across the state.

“Whitestone Cheese Company from New Zealand has already removed its Windsor Blue cheese from sale in the retail sector, but some people may still have the product at home.

“The cheese has tested positive to listeria contamination,” Dr Lester said.

The Whitestone Windsor blue is sold in 110 gram wedges in a sealed plastic package and has a best before date of 6/7/2014.

Dr Lester said consumers should either discard any Whitestone Windsor blue cheese or return it to the point of purchase.

This product has been recalled in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT due to the risk of listeria infection.

“Listeria infection is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, their unborn babies and elderly people. It can cause miscarriages in pregnant women and even death in people with compromised immune systems,” Dr Lester said.

“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.

“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.”

Information about listeria can be found on the Better Health ChannelExternal Link .

Reviewed 07 March 2014

Health.vic

Contact details

Bram Alexander Department of Health Media Unit

Mobile phone 0412 260 811
bram.alexander@health.vic.gov.au
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