Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
Date:
Media contact: MPI media team
Geraldine business Talbot Cheese is recalling a range of products because of potential risk of listeria.
Listeria is commonly found in the environment and contaminated food can make people sick.
Infection can be serious for those with poor immunity and pregnant women, says Ministry for Primary Industries Director of Compliance Gary Orr.
“Last night, we found evidence of listeria in one of the products processed at the company’s factory in Geraldine. Our following up visit to check on the facility indicated the facility was not managing risk from listeria poisoning and more work needs to be done.”
The following products are being removed from shelves and should be avoided. If you have any of these products in your fridge you should return them to the retailer or throw them out.
- Talbot Forest Cheese
- Bouton D’Or (Goodman Fielder) – Plain Haloumi
- Ornelle (Goodman Fielder) – Parmesan (powdered and block); Haloumi
- Puhoi (Goodman Fielder)
- Cuisine Canteen (FoodHQ) – Basil Haloumi; Chilli Haloumi
- Gibbston Valley Cheese
- Imperial Foods – Diced Feta; Haloumi
- Pams Finest (Foodstuffs Own Brands Limited) – Plain Haloumi
- Griffiths – Feta
These products were available at retail outlets across New Zealand. None of the product has been exported.
“We are working with Toi Te Ora Public Health to identify the source of three cases of listeria poisoning in Tauranga. While it is important to note that there is no evidence at this point of a link between these products and the illness, it is a timely reminder that at those who are more at risk of listeria poisoning – including pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborn babies, people with weakened immune systems and elderly people – should avoid these products:
- uncooked, smoked or ready-to-eat fish or seafood, including oysters, prawns, sashimi or sushi
- paté, hummus and tahini-based dips and spreads
- cold pre-cooked chicken
- processed meats including ham and all other chilled pre-cooked meat products including chicken, salami and other fermented or dried sausages
- pre-prepared, pre-packaged or stored salads (including fruit salads) and coleslaws
- raw (unpasteurised) milk and any food that contains unpasteurised milk
- soft-serve ice creams
If you or anyone in your household is in an at-risk group, it is especially important to take a few simple food safety precautions:
- Avoid eating the high-risk foods listed above.
- Follow good food hygiene practices, such as washing and drying hands before preparing food and after handling or preparing raw foods.
- Eat freshly cooked or freshly prepared foods.
- Wash all raw fruit and vegetables very well before eating.
- Cook foods thoroughly.
- Refrigerate leftovers immediately and do not keep for more than 2 days. Reheat to steaming hot before eating.
If you are concerned about your health or believe you have been affected, please talk to your doctor.”
For more information about Listeria and prevention visit the Ministry of Health website at:
Information on Listeria and food safety from the Ministry for Primary Industries:
