What is Listeriosis
Listeriosis, is a rare but serious disease caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes [L. monocytogenes] that can survive and grow on certain high risk foods. While it is probably common for people to eat foods contaminated with a small amount of the bacteria, only some people are at risk of becoming sick. The people who do get sick may require hospitalisation and it may lead to death.
What are the symptoms?
Listeriosis can cause different symptoms depending on which part of the body has been affected and the usual health of the person. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea and diarrhoea. Infection with L. monocytogenes may also cause septicaemia [blood poisoning] and meningitis [inflammation of the outside of the brain], and death can occur because of these complications.
Pregnant women generally experience mild symptoms themselves; however infections during the pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or infection of the newborn baby.
Symptoms usually start between 3 to 70 days [average 21 days] after eating food contaminated with the bacteria.
How is it spread?
L. monocytogenes is commonly found in the environment [such as soil] and some raw foods. Unlike many other bacteria, L. monocytogenes are unusual because they can grow in the refrigerator. Eating foods that contain L. monocytogenes does not cause illness in most people however some can become sick.�Babies can be born with listeriosis if their mothers eat contaminated food during the pregnancy.
Listeriosis does not spread from person-to-person.
Who is at risk?
Eating foods that contain L. monocytogenes does not cause illness in most people. The disease mainly affects the elderly, pregnant women and their unborn and newborn babies, and people with weakened immune systems due to illness or medication [for example, people on cancer treatment or steroids, and people with diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease and HIV infection].
How is it prevented?
If you [or someone in your household] have a weakened immune system or are pregnant, the best way to avoid L. monocytogenes is to eat freshly cooked or freshly prepared food.
Try to avoid foods that have a higher risk of L. monocytogenes contamination such as:
- chilled seafood such as raw oysters, sashimi and sushi, smoked ready-to-eat seafood and cooked ready-to-eat prawns
- cold meats from delicatessen counters and sandwich bars, and packaged, sliced ready-to-eat meats
- cold cooked ready-to-eat chicken [whole, portions, or diced]
- rockmelon
- pre-prepared or pre-packaged fruit or vegetable salads, including those from buffets and salad bars
- soft, semi-soft and surface-ripened cheeses such as brie, camembert, ricotta, blue and feta
- refrigerated pat� or meat spreads
- soft serve ice cream
- unpasteurised dairy products
- raw mushrooms.
You can further reduce your risk by:
- avoiding food that is past its best before or use by date
- refrigerating leftovers promptly and using them within 24 hours, or freezing them
- cooking food thoroughly
- reheating food until it is steaming hot.
The NSW Food Authority provides further information on foods to eat and avoid during pregnancy.
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis of listeriosis can be confirmed by blood or other tests requested by a doctor.
How is it treated?
Treatment for listeriosis involves antibiotics and supportive care. When infection occurs during pregnancy, antibiotics can often prevent infection of the unborn baby or newborn.
Listeria in Australia
While listeriosis can be a very severe illness, the number of cases reported in Australia each year is relatively low, with around 80 cases reported each year. Most people infected with listeriosis are not connected to an outbreak, however outbreaks can occur. Outbreaks caused by listeriosis have been associated with rockmelon, delicatessen meats, raw milk, soft cheeses, pre-prepared salads [for example, from salad bars], unwashed raw vegetables, pat�, cold diced chicken and pre-cut fruit and fruit salad.
Preventing the spread of listeria in Australia
Listeriosis is mainly acquired by eating contaminated foods. Food safety standards in Australia are designed to minimise the contamination of food with bacteria including L. monocytogenes. �It is difficult to completely remove the risk as this bacteria is so widespread in the environment. Cases of listeriosis are reported to public health authorities so outbreaks can be identified and managed, and particular causes detected.
Further Information
Talk to your doctor about preventing listeriosis if you are pregnant or if you think you might be at increased risk due to illness or medications.
More information on listeriosis can also be found by contacting your state or territory health department.
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Recalled: Devondale and Woolworths butters and butter blends. Image source: FSANZ.
The recall is due to a potential microbial contamination. Food products with a microbial contamination may cause illness if consumed.
Exactly which product[s]?
The affected products being recalled [pictured] are:
Devondale Salted Butter 250g
- Best before date: 18 MAY 22, 04 JUN 22
Devondale Salted Butter 500g
- Best before date: 30 APR 22, 01 MAY 22, 24 JUN 22
Devondale Salted Butter 3 x 500g
- Best before date: 01 MAY 22
Devondale Unsalted Butter 500g
- Best before date: 30 APR 22
Devondale Dairy Soft Original 500g
- Best before date: 06 JAN 22, 06 APR 22, 11 MAY 22, 12 MAY 22, 26 MAY 22
Devondale Dairy Soft Salt Reduced 500g
- Best before date: 10 MAY 22
Woolworths Butter Salted 250g
- Best before date: 16 OCT 21, 21 APR 22, 12 MAY 22, 13 MAY 22
Woolworths Butter Unsalted 250g
- Best before date: 16 OCT 21, 11 MAY 22, 12 MAY 22
Where were they sold?
These products have been available for sale nationally at various outlets including Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, independent supermarkets and Costco.
I ate this product. Am I at risk?
Any consumers who have consumed this product and are concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
I have this product at home. What should I do?
Do not consume this product. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Who should I contact for more information?
Saputo Dairy Australia customer service team
The recall is due to chemical [ethylene oxide] contamination. Food products containing ethylene oxide may cause illness/injury if consumed. According to NSW Health, breathing in relatively high levels of ethylene oxide can cause irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory passages and affect the nervous system [for example headaches, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, numbness].
Exactly which product[s]?
The affected products being recalled [pictured] are:
Diplomat Lemon & Ginger Herbal Infusion
- Best before date: all best before dates from 08/02/2023 up to and including 11/02/2023
- Pack size: 60g [40 tea cup bags].
Nerada Organics Lemon & Ginger Organic Herbal Infusion Tea
- Best before date: all best before dates from 08/01/23 up to and including 22/01/23
- Pack size: 60g [40 tea cup bags].
Where were they sold?
- Diplomat Lemon & Ginger Herbal Infusion has been available for sale at all ALDI Stores in QLD, NSW, VIC, SA and ACT.
- Nerada Organics Lemon & Ginger Organic Herbal Infusion Tea has been available for sale at independent food retailers including IGA in NSW, ACT, Qld, Vic, Tas, SA & WA, Woolworths in NSW, ACT & Qld and Coles nationally.
I drank this product. Am I at risk?
Any consumers who have consumed this product and are concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
I have this product at home. What should I do?
Do not consume this product. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Who should I contact for more information?
- Phone: +61 7 3272 0444
- Website: neradatea.com.au or aldi.com.au
Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd is conducting a recall of Steggles Frozen Turkey Breast Roast.
Why is it being recalled?
The recall is due to incorrect packaging which has resulted in the presence of undeclared allergens [gluten, sulphites and tree nuts]. Any consumers with a gluten, sulphites or tree nut allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if the product is consumed.
Exactly which product[s]?
The affected product being recalled is:
- Product name: Steggles Frozen Turkey Breast Roast
- Best before date: 29 June 2022
- Pack size: 1kg
Where was it sold?
The product has been available for sale at Coles in Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic & Tas, and independent food retailers including IGA in NT, SA & Tas.
I ate this product. Am I at risk?
Any consumers who have eaten this product and are concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
I have this product at home. What should I do?
Consumers who have a gluten, sulphites or tree nut allergy or intolerance should not consume this product and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Who should I contact for more information?
Baiada Poultry Pty Limited
- Phone: 1300 137 372
- Website: steggles.com.au
Freedom Foods and Aldi are conducting a recall of certain plant-based milk products
Why are they being recalled?
The recall is due to possible microbial contamination. Food products with microbial contamination may cause illness if consumed.
Exactly which product[s]?
The affected products being recalled are:
Milk Lab Almond Milk
- Best before date[s]: 18/06/21, 01/07/21, 20/07/21, 29/07/21, 06/08/21
- Pack size: 1L
Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Chocolate Almond Milk
- Best before date[s]: 27/04/21
- Pack size: 1L
Aldi's Inner Goodness UHT Almond Milk Original
- Best before date[s]: 18/04/2021
- Pack size: 1L
Aldi's Inner Goodness Regular UHT Soy Milk
- Best before date[s]: 12/03/2021
- Pack size: 1L
Where were they sold?
The affected products have been distributed for sale as follows:
- Milk Lab Almond Milk 1L has been available for sale nationally in various coffee shops and food service outlets.
- Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Chocolate Almond Milk has been available for sale in NSW [Coles and Woolworths], QLD [Coles and Woolworths], SA [Coles and Woolworths], TAS [Coles], VIC [Coles and Woolworths] and WA [Coles and Woolworths].
- Aldi's Inner Goodness Almond and Soy Milks have been available for sale at all ALDI stores.
I drank this product. Am I at risk?
Any consumers who drank any of these products and are concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
I have this product at home. What should I do?
Don't drink it. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Who should I contact for more information?
Freedom Foods [for Milk Lab and Almond Breeze products]
- Phone: 1800 646 231
- Website: freedomfoods.com.au
Aldi Food Recall Hotline
Aldi and Juicy Isle are conducting a recall of apple juice products.
Why are they being recalled?
The recall is due to microbial [mycotoxin – Patulin] contamination. Food products containing Patulin may cause illness if consumed.
Exactly which product[s]?
The affected products being recalled are:
Aldi's PICK'D Cloudy Apple Juice
- Use by dates: 22/05/20, 29/05/20, 17/06/20, 7/07/20, 15/07/20, 27/07/20, 30/07/20, 7/08/20 and 11/08/20. All other use by dates available for sale are not affected.
- Pack size: 2L
Pure Tassie Apple Juice
Bottle sizes and best before dates as follows:
- Apple and Blackcurrant [1.5L], all best before dates up to and including 18/11/20
- Apple [1.5L], all best before dates up to and including 26/1/21
- Apple and Ginger [1.5L], best before 5/12/20
- Apple and Raspberry [1.5L], all dates up to and including 7/10/20
- Apple [350mL], all best before dates up to and including 17/11/20
- Apple and Blackcurrant [350mL], best before 9/7/20
- Apple and Raspberry [350mL], all best before dates up to and including 2/11/20
Where were they sold?
The affected products have been distributed for sale as follows:
- PICK'D Cloudy Apple Juice – at ALDI Stores in WA, SA, VIC, ACT and specific Aldi stores in NSW.
- Pure Tassie Apple Juice – at various Coles, Woolworths, IGA and independent stores in NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS, SA, WA.
I drank this product. Am I at risk?
Any consumers who drank any of these products and are concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
I have this product at home. What should I do?
Don't drink it. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Who should I contact for more information?
Aldi Food Recall Hotline
Juicy Isle Pty Ltd
- Phone: 03 6274 5999
- Website: juicyisle.com.au
Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, Conga Foods and Simplot Australia are conducting a recall of a range of pesto products.
Why are they being recalled?
The recall is due to microbial contamination [E. coli].
Exactly which product[s]?
The affected products being recalled are:
Dairy Farmers Full Cream milk
- Use by date: 25/02/2020
- Pack size: 1L
- Country of origin: Australia
Dairy Farmers Full Cream milk
- Use by date: 24/02/2020
- Pack size: 3L
- Country of origin: Australia
Aldi Farmdale Full Cream Milk
- Use by date: 25/02/2020
- Pack size: 3L
- Country of origin: Australia
7-Eleven Full Cream milk
- Use by date: 24/02/2020
- Pack size: 2L
- Country of origin: Australia
Dairy Choice Full Cream Milk
- Use by date: 25/02/2020
- Pack size: 2L
- Country of origin: Australia
Community Co 'The Good Drop' Full Cream Milk
- Use by date: 25/02/2020
- Pack size: 2L
- Country of origin: Australia
Where were they sold?
The affected products have been distributed for sale as follows:
- Dairy Farmers milk – across NSW through Coles, Woolworths and IGA stores and some independent outlets [i.e. milk bars, cafes and convenience stores].
- Aldi Farmdale milk – in the ACT and certain NSW ALDI Stores. For the list of specific stores see the recall notice on Aldi's website.
- 7-Eleven milk – in multiple 7-ELEVEN STORES in NSW & ACT.
- Dairy Choice & Community Co milk – at IGA stores and various independents in NSW
I drank this product. Am I at risk?
Any consumers who drank anyof these products and are concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
I have this product at home. What should I do?
Don't drink it. Dispose of the product and call LD&D, Aldi or 7-Eleven [depending on the product purchased] for a full refund.
Who should I contact for more information?
LD&D Consumer Enquiry Centre [Dairy Farmers, Dairy Choice & Community Co products]
- Phone: 1800 677 852
- Email:
Aldi Food Recall Hotline
7-Eleven Stores
Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, Conga Foods and Simplot Australia are conducting a recall of a range of pesto products.
Why are they being recalled?
The recall is due to the presence of an undeclared allergen [peanut].
Exactly which product[s]?
The affected products being recalled are:
Aldi's Remano Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
- Best before dates: all dates
- Pack size: 190g
- Country of origin: Italy
Aldi's Remano Basil Pesto
- Best before dates: all dates
- Pack size: 190g
- Country of origin: Italy
Coles Italia Pesto Al Basilico Basil Pesto
- Best before dates: 24/09/2021 and 28/08/2021
- Pack size: 290g
- Country of origin: Italy
Woolworths Italian Style Basil Pesto 190g
- Best before dates: all dates and batches
- Pack size: 190g
- Country of origin: Italy
Providore Italian Tomatoes and Grana Padano Cheese Pesto
- Best before date: 30/09/2022
- Pack size: 195g
- Country of origin: Italy
Sacla Classic Basil Pesto and Sacla Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
- Best before dates: from 31/07/2021 until 31/01/2022
- Pack size: 190g
- Country of origin: Italy
Where were they sold?
The Aldi products have been available for sale at all Aldi stores. The Coles product has been available for sale in Coles Supermarkets and Coles Online nationally. The Woolworths product has been available for sale at Woolworths supermarkets nationally and directly to customers online. The Providore product has been available for sale only in Woolworths stores nationally. The Sacla products have been available for sale at Coles, Woolworths, Independent grocery stores [including IGAs except in NT] nationally and online.
I ate this product. Am I at risk?
Any consumers who have a peanut allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if the product is consumed. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
I have this product at home. What should I do?
People with a peanut allergy or intolerance should not eat this product. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Who should I contact for more information?
- Aldi Food Recall Hotline: 1800 709 993
- Coles Customer Care: 1800 061 562
- Woolworths Customer Service: 1800 103 515
- Simplot's Consumer Information Service [Providore product]: 1800 061 279
- Conga Foods [Sacla product]: or call 03 94879500
Why do food recalls happen?
A food recall is action taken by a food business to remove unsafe food from distribution, sale and consumption. All food businesses must be able to quickly remove food from the marketplace to protect public health and safety. FSANZ coordinates and monitors food recalls in Australia.
Recalls are classified according to the problem with the food. This includes:
- undeclared allergen – due to incorrect labelling, incorrect packaging or contamination of the product by an allergen
- microbial – contamination with pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or parasites
- foreign matter – contamination with material such as glass, metal or plastic objects
- biotoxin – contamination with biological toxins such as histamine in fish and paralytic shellfish toxin in oysters
- chemical/other contaminants – contamination with substances such as cleaning products, pesticides, machine oil, etc
- packaging fault – where an fault in the food packaging results in contamination [presence of glass/metal etc] of the food or a potential choking hazard.