URGENT CHEESE RECALL: Cheese pulled off shelves in 5 states due to LISTERIA contamination fears

Get all the details here - by Amy Sinclair

Australian authorities have issued an urgent recall on a wide range of cheeses sold across Australia due to listeria contamination fears.

The cheeses have been sold in stores across NSW, Victoria, SA, WA and Queensland.

The Food Standards Australia reports that Washed Rind Pty Ltd is conducting the recall on the following cheese, which originate from France. The are:

* St Simeon 200g - best before dates of 18/02/19, 04/03/19, 26/09/19, 09/04/19, 23/04/19, 10/05/19, 17/05/19

* Le Coulommiers 400g - best before dates of 23/04/19, 17/05/19

* Coulommiers Truffe 750g - best before dates of 19/02/19, 26/03/19, 09/04/19, 23/04/19, 10/05/19, 17/05/19

* Brie de Nangis 1kg - best before dates of 18/02/19, 18/03/19, 04/03/19, 26/03/19

Image: Food Standards Authority

Says Food Standards Australia: ‘The recall is due to potential microbial Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

‘Listeria may cause illness in pregnant women and their unborn babies, the elderly and people with low immune systems.

‘Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.’

Health experts warn that exposure to Listeria bacteria can cause serious illness and even death - particularly with vulnerable people such as those with weak immunity, pregnant women and their unborn children.

Symptoms include fever, tiredness, aches, pains and headaches - as well as nausea, cramping and diarrhoea. In some severe cases it can cause sepsis and meningitis.

Amy Sinclair

Amy Sinclair is the editor of New Idea Food. She is a former weekly magazine editor who loves all things food, cooking and eating - especially the eating! When she's not looking after her three children, you'll find her in the kitchen or busily hiding online shopping purchases from her husband.