Washed Rind cheeses recalled over possible Listeria contamination

A variety of cheeses made in France and sold in supermarkets and retail stores around Australia have been recalled today following concerns of a potential Listeria contamination in the food products.

The NSW Food Authority advised customers in a statement that dairy distributer Washed Rind has recalled a selection of its cheeses that are produced overseas and sold IGA stores and independent retail stores across NSW, Queensland, the ACT, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

FULL LIST OF RECALLED CHEESES BELOW.

"Washed Rind Pty Ltd has recalled a variety of cheeses made in France from IGA and Supa IGA in NSW, independent retailers in QLD and ACT, Foodworks and independent retailers in VIC, Foodlands IGA and independent retailers in SA and IGA, Supa IGA and independent retailers in WA due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination," the statement said.

"Consumers should not eat this product and should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

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

"If you are concerned about your health you should seek medical advice."

Recalled Washed Rind cheeses:

Saint Simeon 200g, Plastic container, Best before 08-04-201

Brie de Nangis 1kg, Wrapped in cheesepaper/plastic and set in ½ wooden box, Best before 08-04-2018

Le Vignelait Brillat Savarin 500g, Plastic container, Best before 8-04-2018

Coulommiers Truffe 800g, Wrapped in cheesepaper/plastic and set in ½ wooden box, Best before 08-04-2018 and 22-04-2018

Le Coulommiers 500g, Wrapped in cheesepaper/plastic and set in ½ wooden box, Best before 08-04-2018 and 22-04-2018

Brie de Brie Pasteurise 2.8kg, Wrapped in cheesepaper/plastic and set in ½ wooden box, Best before 08-04-2018 and 22-04-2018

The recall comes after five people have thusfar died as a result of a Listeria outbreak connected to the contamination of rockmelons around the country.

Three Victorians and two people from NSW have died since consuming the rockmelons, which are believed to be linked to a farm near Griffith, in southern NSW.

Eight people in Victoria have been affected with listeria from the rockmelons, four man and four women, all from high-risk groups.

As a result of the outbreak, the NSW Food Authority may apply additional regulatory actions or supervision to the rockmelon industry to ensure compliance and to see improved safety outcomes.

The authority is confident all affected produce has been removed from the market.