New Zealand Food Safety is warning people about the unauthorized sale of cheese that had been sent to a landfill.
The cheese appears to have been taken from the Putaruru Landfill before being discovered for sale in Waikato. It is possible sales of cheeses occurred in other areas. Cheese was disposed of after the company, Over The Moon, judged it was not suitable to be sold.
New Zealand Food Safety said it was not aware of any related illnesses.
Affected cheeses are from the Over The Moon brand and include products with batch numbers 18.11.25, 25.11.25 and 26.11.25.
Cheeses are Camembert, OMG, Black Truffle Brie, Galactic Gold, Halloumi, Gee’s Spread (Black Truffle & Garlic Chilli flavors), Smoked Chilli Camembert, Goat Camembert, and Double Delight.
“We have serious concerns about the safety of this product given the company determined it was not suitable for sale and rightly disposed of it,” said Vincent Arbuckle, New Zealand Food Safety deputy-director general.
"Also, eating cheese that has been in a landfill for a period of time and out of the food supply chain carries very obvious food safety risks of contamination. The cheese should not be eaten as it has not been subject to required food safety controls and we do not know how it has been stored, transported, or handled.
“If you are offered Over the Moon cheese from an unregistered business, or the transaction does not seem legitimate, it’s best to exercise caution. Selling dumped cheese is illegal and a food safety risk to public health.”
Over the Moon reported the issue to New Zealand Food Safety and is informing customers. The company’s cheese is legally sold through various outlets.
In a statement, the company said it believes some batches are being sold in South Waikato on the black market at below retail price.
“These black-market batches are being sold by individuals, none have been
distributed or are being sold through our own factory, store or authorized retailers. Anyone who has acquired these batches from an unauthorized seller should not consume them and dispose of them immediately.”
