A batch of Emborg Emmentaler cheese sold in supermarkets across New Zealand has been recalled after concerns it may contain listeria.

New Zealand Food Safety has supported Goodfood Group Limited in recalling a specific batch of Emborg Emmentaler cheese 200g due to the possible presence of the foodborne bacterium.

Food Safety Deputy Director General Vincent Arbuckle said the product should not be eaten.

“The concern with this product is that it may contain Listeria, a foodborne bacterium that could make you sick,” Arbuckle said.

“These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw it out.”

The recall applies to Emborg Emmentaler 200g with a best before date of 05.11.26.

The cheese was imported from Germany and sold in supermarkets nationwide. The affected products have since been removed from store shelves.

Arbuckle said “Listeriosis infection can be serious among vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

“Listeria differs to other harmful bacteria in that it can grow at refrigerator temperatures, so you have to be very careful about the foods you eat, or provide to others, if you or they are in a vulnerable group.

“It is particularly dangerous during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage, premature labour or stillbirth, and infection in the new-born baby.”

In healthy adults, listeriosis is usually mild and may cause diarrhoea or flu like symptoms within a few days of eating contaminated food.

For people in vulnerable groups, symptoms can take 2 to 3 weeks or longer to appear.

Anyone who has consumed the cheese and is concerned about their health has been advised to contact a health professional or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

New Zealand Food Safety said it had not received any reports of illness linked to the product.

The contamination was identified during routine testing and officials are working with Goodfood Group Limited to understand how it occurred and prevent it happening again.