Snowbrand Australia’s Unicorn Cheese recalls 125g camembert over listeria fears: Woolworths, IGA affected

A popular cheese sold at Woolworths has been urgently recalled over fears it could be contaminated with listeria bacteria.

Snowbrand Australia, which trades as Unicorn cheese, has recalled two versions of its 125g camembert cheese.

Shoppers have been warned not to consume Community Co’s Classic Unicorn Camembert and French-style Camembert.

It is suspected that the products may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.

125g wheels of Unicorn Classic Camembert and Community Co French-style Camembert sold at Woollies in four states have been urgently recalled due to potential listeria contamination

Snowbrand, trading as Unicorn cheese, issued the joint recall with Food Standards Australia. Pictured: one of the two brands urgently recalled

Pathogenic bacteria cause listeriosis infection, which can kill vulnerable people.

Listeriosis can affect pregnant women and their unborn babies, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

The brand is sold in some Woolworths and IGA stores in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia.

It is estimated that 20 to 30 percent of foodborne listeriosis infections in high-risk people can be fatal.

NSW has recorded 28 cases of listeria this year and there have been numerous smaller outbreaks in other states.

“Five cases of listeriosis have been reported in Victorians this August, the highest monthly total since 2018,” the Victorian Department of Health said in a statement on September 19.

Bacteria thrive in cold environments and can survive in the refrigerator.

Anyone who bought Community Co French-style camembert (pictured) should throw it in the bin or return it to the shop where they bought it for a full refund

The recalled cheese was also sold in IGAs in Victoria and Queensland

The cheese was sold at Woolworths in NSW, Victoria, SA and Tasmania and at IGAs in Victoria and Queensland.

It was also sold in several smaller independent retailers, including Our United Food Co in Queensland, and Natures Best, V&C Food Distributors and Bills Cheese and Joghurts in NSW.

The cluster affected was 123123E, with a best before date of November 8, 2023.

Food Standards Australia said anyone concerned about their health should seek medical help.

“The recall is due to possible microbial contamination (Listeria monocytogenes),” the FSA said in a statement.

“Any consumer concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

Soft cheeses such as camembert, brie, ricotta, blue-vein and feta are considered high risk for listeria.

Pregnant women and people “at risk” are advised to avoid them.

It was also sold in several smaller independent retailers, including Our United Food Co in Queensland and Natures Best (pictured), V&C Food Distributors and Bills Cheese and Joghurts in NSW.