NZ Food Safety Boss on Balancing Speed and Risk in Approvals
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
The recall, which impacts all batches and dates including Best Before 22 September 2025, is due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
The impacted products include:
- Food Snob brand Classic French Brie 125g
- Food Snob brand Classic French Brie 200g
- Food Snob brand Classic French Camembert 125g
- Food Snob brand Classic French Camembert 200g
- Mon Ami brand Double Cream French Brie Petit 125g
- Mon Ami brand Mild & Creamy French Camembert Petit 125g
NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle says that Listeria is a foodborne bacteria that can make those who consume infected products ill.
“Listeriosis infection can be serious among vulnerable groups, such as pregnant people and their unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems,” says Arbuckle.
He says that Listeria is different from other harmful bacteria because it can grow at refrigerator temperatures, meaning that people have to be cautious about the foods they eat or provide to others if they or others are in a vulnerable group.
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“It is particularly dangerous during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage, premature labour or still birth, and infection in the newborn baby,” he adds.
If you have purchased an impacted product, it should not be eaten. It can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund. Alternatively, throw it out.
Infection in healthy adults is unlikely to be severe, at most causing mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms within a few days of eating contaminated food. For those in the vulnerable groups, it usually takes two to three weeks – or even longer – before symptoms appear.
If you have consumed any of these products and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
The recalled products are being removed from shelves at retail outlets and supermarkets throughout New Zealand.
The products were made in France and have not been re-exported.
The overseas manufacturer and distributer have initiated a recall. NZFS says it has not received any notification of associated illness.
