Introduction:
Multiple French soft cheeses sold in Australian supermarkets have been urgently recalled due to contamination with a dangerous bacteria that could be life-threatening. Several people have died in Australia from this in the past!

01: Multiple Cheeses Urgently Recalled – Don't Eat These Products!

Cheese has long been a popular item in Australian supermarkets, often found on tables, at gatherings, and parties.

However, recently, a large batch of cheese has been urgently recalled, and if you've purchased these products, do not eat them!

Image Source: Yahoo.au

Recently, Australia's food safety authorities issued an urgent recall notice after several French soft cheeses sold at Coles, Woolworths, IGA, and ALDI supermarkets were found to potentially carry Listeria bacteria.

Brands involved include Mon Ami, Emborg, Specially Selected, Emporium Selected, and Buche Belle du Bocage.

According to the notification by the Food Standards Agency, this recall involves a wide range of products.

Mon Ami: 200g Brie, 200g Camembert, 125g Petit Camembert, 300g Double Cream Le Fromager, and 125g Double Cream French Brie.

Emborg: 200g Brie and 200g Camembert are also within the recall scope.

These products were sold nationwide at Coles, Woolworths, and IGA supermarkets.

Additionally, ALDI supermarkets have also recalled Specially Selected French L'ovale 300g and Emporium Selected French Brie 125g, with affected products sold until October 1, 2025.

Independent retailers selling Buche Belle du Bocage cheese, imported by K-SEIN Pty Ltd and Washed Rind Pty Ltd, are also part of the recall. This product was sold in IGA and specialty stores across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.

The recall notice clearly advises consumers not to consume these products. If purchased, return them to the store for a full refund.

Global Foods Group, the importer, stated the recall was prompted by concerns about potential Listeria contamination.

02: Listeria Risk in Soft Cheeses – A History of Fatalities

Listeria is a bacterium that can survive in low-temperature environments, commonly found in soil, water, and certain animals. It can contaminate meat, seafood, ready-to-eat foods, and dairy products, particularly high-moisture soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert.

Compared to hard cheeses, soft cheeses are more prone to bacterial growth.

Image Source: Yahoo.au

For generally healthy adults, Listeria infection symptoms are usually mild, such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or headaches. However, for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, the consequences can be severe.

Pregnant women are at a 10 times higher risk and can suffer from miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. Immunocompromised individuals could develop sepsis or meningitis, both of which pose life-threatening risks.

Australia has experienced similar incidents in recent years.

In February 2018, Australian media urgently warned about Listeria contamination in Rockmelon (grid melon). Initially reported by ABC, two people died from consuming the fruit, which was recalled after the outbreak. This seemingly safe fruit caused nationwide panic from late February to early March.

Within days, other states like Victoria and Queensland reported similar cases. Many families, fearful of contamination, discarded all their melons.

Despite the recall, the Listeria outbreak continued to spread, with 17 confirmed cases within a week.

Subsequently, Victoria reported the fourth nationwide Listeria death from consuming contaminated melons. Autopsy results confirmed the woman, who was otherwise healthy, succumbed to the Listeria carried by the melon.

Kimberley Booth, a pregnant woman at 35 weeks, suffered a placental closure due to eating contaminated Rockmelon. The fetus faced stillbirth risk, but emergency surgery saved the baby's life.

Image Source: Yahoo.au

Ultimately, the outbreak caused 6 deaths, making it one of the most alarming Listeria outbreaks in Australia's food safety history.

Moreover, in 2018, frozen vegetables were recalled due to Listeria contamination, and in 2022, some pre-packaged cooked chicken was also removed from shelves due to potential risks.

These incidents show that even with strict regulation and testing, issues can arise during production, transportation, or storage.

Food safety experts have warned about high-risk foods in supermarkets that can lead to severe foodborne illnesses.

03: Experts Warn – Be Extra Cautious with These Three Foods

These three foods are not only common in Australian supermarkets but are also popular among many, including the Chinese community.

Pre-cut Fruits and Vegetables

Top food safety experts warn that pre-cut fruits and vegetables from supermarkets pose a fatal contamination risk.

Dr. Bryan Quoc, a food chemist from the United States, points out that pre-sliced fruits like mango, melon, and pineapple are more likely to harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli. This is because once the protective skin of the fruit is cut open, the flesh is exposed to the air, creating an ideal environment for pathogens to thrive.

Imagine these bacteria multiplying in the fruit, and we unknowingly consume them. The consequences can be dire.

Sprouts

Raw sprouts, commonly found in health meals, salads, and sandwiches, are popular among fitness enthusiasts and vegetarians.

However, Professor Kali Kniel, a microbiologist from the University of Delaware, warns that raw sprouts can harbor dangerous pathogens such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.

The sprouting process is complex, making it difficult to disinfect thoroughly and kill any potential Salmonella. Plants sprout in very warm, moist conditions – perfect for bacteria to flourish.

A U.S. food scientist demonstrated this on TikTok, explaining that bean sprouts grow in the warmest, most humid environment imaginable, which is ideal for bacteria.

Unless sprouts are boiled or cooked, they present a risk of food poisoning.

A U.S. study found that within three days of sprouting, microorganisms on sprouted seeds can reach billions.

Unpasteurized Milk

Dr. Quoc also warned about certain types of milk, especially unpasteurized or raw milk.

Most milk in supermarkets is pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter. However, raw milk is untreated, meaning harmful bacteria can pass directly into the body.

Unpasteurized milk may carry Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. To be safe, always opt for pasteurized milk.

Food experts recommend staying vigilant:

Consumers should keep an eye on food safety department recalls.

When buying high-risk foods, check if they have been pasteurized.

High-risk groups should avoid raw foods or soft cheeses and choose hard or well-cooked alternatives.

Ensure proper fridge hygiene at home to avoid cross-contamination.

Conclusion:
Consumers need to stay alert and follow recall advice. If you’ve purchased any of the affected products, contact the supermarket for a refund and do not consume them. Stay safe!