A potential risk of listeria contamination has led to a recall of some Delmaine antipasto products.
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) said it was supporting the company in the recall of the products, which are sold at supermarkets and retail stores around New Zealand.
“The concern with these products is that they may contain Listeria, which can cause serious illness in pregnant people and their unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems,” NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said.
“These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund or, if that’s not possible, throw them out.”
Arbuckle warned there could be more products added to the list.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness, with symptoms that include mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms for a few days for most people.
However, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries, it can lead to meningitis, blood poisoning, and death for older, frail or immuno-compromised people.
It is also dangerous for pregnant women as it can also cause miscarriage, premature labour or stillbirth, and infection in the newborn baby.
Symptoms usually appear in two to three weeks and include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
“Don’t consume it: if you have any of these products, please don’t eat them,” Woolworths said in an email to its customers.
“If you’ve eaten these and have any health concerns, please talk to your doctor.”
NZFS had not received any notifications of associated illness.
The products under recall were identified through routine testing, have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported.
The recalled products include:
- Delmaine Fine Foods brand Five Olive Mix (200g) with a use-by between 16/10/24 – 20/11/24
- Delmaine Fine Foods brand Jumbo Olive Selection (200g) with a use-by between 9/10/24 – 27/11/24
- Delmaine Fine Foods brand Pitted Olive Medley (180g) with a use-by between 9/10/24 – 4/12/24
- Delmaine Fine Foods brand Stuffed Olive Mix (160g) with a use-by of 5/12/24
- Delmaine Fine Foods brand Mediterranean Antipasto Mix (215g) with a use-by between 16/10/24-20/11/24
- Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Feta (150g) with a use-by between 10/10/24 – 4/12/24
- Delmaine Fine Foods brand Stuffed Red Peppers (190g) with a use-by between 24/10/24 – 5/12/24
- Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes (200g) with a use-by between 10/10/24 – 4/12/24
- Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes (270g) with a use-by between 7/04/25 – 30/04/25
- Woolworths brand Feta and Sundried Tomatoes (200g) with a use-by between 21/11/24 – 25/12/24
- Woolworths brand Greek Mix (200g) with a use-by between 20/11/24 – 1/01/25
- Woolworths brand Olive Selection (200g) with a use-by between 13/11/24 – 25/12/24
- Delmaine Fine Foods brand Mediterranean Mix, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
- Delmaine Fine Foods brand Italian Mix, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
- Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
- Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Feta & Sundried Tomatoes, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
