Brunei issues alert over 21 Australian cheese brands
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People living in Brunei have been advised to stop buying and consuming 21 brands of soft cheese imported from Australia because the Department of Health and non-profit organisation Active Ageing Australia released information about an outbreak of listerio
The Health Ministry’s statement said there had been 18 reported cases of listeriosis that resulted in two deaths and a miscarriage in Australia. Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Symptoms include a high fever, headache and vomiting.
Those who have a low immune system, such as babies and the elderly, are most at risk. Expectant mothers are advised to avoid consuming soft cheeses during pregnancy. Listeriosis in a pregnant woman can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn baby and possible death.
The brands of cheese in question are Aida Valley, Blue Cow, Coles Finest, Dynasty, Emporium, Enterprize, G&K, Harris Farm, International, Jindi, Jindi Reserve, Kenilworth, Kingaroy, Old Telegraph Road, Raw Materials, Siena, Tomewin Farm, Tomme Farm, Top Paddock, Wattle Valley and Willow Grove.
The ministry also advised importers and retailers to recall products from the market and to deliver them to the Quality Control and Food Safety section at the Department of Health Services or district health offices to be destroyed.
Consumers who have already purchased the products should return them to the retail outlet where they were purchased or to the Department of Health Services.
As a precautionary measure, health officers from the ministry will be inspecting supermarkets and grocery stores to ensure that products being sold comply with the Public Health Act (Food) (Chapter 182). Those found preparing, selling or importing harmful foods face up to five years in prison and/or a fine.
