Cheese that had been previously discarded in a landfill was discovered being unlawfully sold in Waikato.
New Zealand Food Safety reports that the cheese seems to have been removed from the Putaruru rubbish tip before being located for sale in the town on Sunday. It was stated that the product had not been kept in refrigerated conditions and was therefore unsuitable for consumption. Additionally, there’s a possibility that this cheese is being sold in other regions as well.
The cheeses in question are all from the Over The Moon brand. The list of items includes Camembert, OMG, Black Truffle Brie, Galactic Gold, Halloumi, Gee’s Spread (Black Truffle & Garlic Chilli flavors), Smoked Chilli Camembert, Goat Camembert, and Double Delight. The batches affected carry the numbers 18.11.25, 25.11.25, and 26.11.25.
Over the Moon was the first to bring this issue to the attention of New Zealand Food Safety, and is currently working on alerting its customers.
Despite the absence of any reported illness linked to the consumption of this product, New Zealand Food Safety expressed “serious concerns” about the product’s safety. This is especially due to the fact that the cheese was deemed unfit for sale by the company and consequently disposed of.
Vincent Arbuckle, the deputy director general of New Zealand Food Safety, warned about the evident food safety risks connected with the consumption of cheese that has spent a certain period of time in a landfill and outside of the food supply chain. He stated that the cheese should be avoided as it hasn’t been subjected to mandatory food safety controls and its storage, transport, and handling methods remain unknown.
Customers who come across the affected cheese in unregistered businesses can call the toll-free line 0800 00 83 33. They have been advised to instead buy the legitimate Over The Moon products from the company’s authorized stockists.
Arbuckle emphasized that the sale of discarded cheese is illegal and poses a considerable risk to public health. He noted that an investigation is underway by New Zealand Food Safety.
What are the specific cheese products that have been found illegally for sale?
The implicated products are from the Over The Moon brand, including Camembert, OMG, Black Truffle Brie, Galactic Gold, Halloumi, Gee’s Spread (Black Truffle & Garlic Chilli flavors), Smoked Chilli Camembert, Goat Camembert, and Double Delight.
What is the risk of consuming these cheeses?
The cheeses, which were not refrigerated and have spent time in a landfill, could be contaminated and pose significant food safety risks.
What should customers do if they find the affected cheese for sale?
Customers should report any sightings of the cheese being sold at unregistered businesses to the toll-free line 0800 00 83 33. They should only purchase Over The Moon products from the company’s authorized stockists.
