RECALL ALERT: Two popular Woolies cheeses spark listeria concerns
Woolworths stores nationwide are issuing a recall on two popular Camembert cheese brands due to potential listeria contamination.
The recall specifically pertains to two 125g Camembert cheese products that have been identified as having potential microbial contamination, specifically Listeria monocytogenes.
The affected products are the Unicorn Classic Camembert from Snowbrand Australia, trading under the name Unicorn Cheese, and Community Co's French Style Camembert. Both of these cheeses carry Best Before dates of November 8, 2023.
These products were available for purchase not only at Woolworths stores in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania but also at other retail outlets, including Natures Best, V & C Food Distributors, and Bills Cheese and Yoghurts in New South Wales, as well as Our United Food Co in Queensland. Select independent stores, such as IGAs in Victoria and Queensland, also stocked these cheeses.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women, their unborn babies, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) issued a statement warning, "Listeria may cause illness in pregnant women and their unborn babies, the elderly, and people with low immune systems." FSANZ advises any consumers who are concerned about their health in relation to these products to seek medical advice and return the items to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The affected Camembert cheese products belong to Batch 123123E Est No 287.
Consumers seeking more information can contact Snowbrand Australia (Unicorn Cheese) at 02 4423 1266.
Images: FSANZ