Henderson Dairy has initiated a recall of specific batches of its Farm Fresh Raw Milk amidst concerns of potential Listeria contamination.
The affected products include:
1L Farm Fresh Raw Milk batch code 240724 with use-by 280724
1L Farm Fresh Raw Milk batch code 260724 with use-by 300724
These products, sold exclusively in 1L glass bottles at Henderson Dairy in Gore, New Zealand, are subject to the recall.
Jenny Bishop, acting deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety, emphasized that consumers should not consume these products. Instead, they are advised to return them to Henderson Dairy for a refund. If returning the product is not feasible, consumers should dispose of it.
Listeria bacteria can cause serious illness, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant individuals, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Bishop highlighted that Listeriosis infection during pregnancy could lead to severe consequences including miscarriage, premature labour, or stillbirth, and pose risks to newborns.
“While infection in healthy adults may result in mild symptoms such as diarrhoea and flu-like illness, vulnerable individuals may not display symptoms for up to three weeks after consuming contaminated food,” Bishop cautioned.
The potential contamination was identified during routine testing, and there have been no reported illnesses associated with these products to date. New Zealand Food Safety is collaborating with Henderson Dairy to investigate the source of contamination and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
Consumers who have consumed the recalled raw milk and have concerns about their health are urged to seek medical advice promptly. They can also contact Healthline at 0800 611 116 for free advice.
Bishop reiterated the inherent risks associated with consuming raw milk, emphasizing that pasteurization is essential for eliminating harmful bacteria.
The recall serves as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety, underscoring the importance of vigilance in food safety practices.