A Potential Health Hazard: Landfill Cheese Sold to the Public
A recent incident has raised serious concerns about food safety and public health. Over the Moon Dairy, a cheese producer, had disposed of a batch of its products at a landfill due to them being unsellable. However, it has now come to light that this cheese was taken and sold to the public, posing a significant risk to consumers.
The New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has been alerted to this unauthorized sale and has expressed deep worry about the safety of the affected products. The cheese in question, including brands like Over the Moon Camembert, OMG, and Gee's Spread, was found for sale in a Waikato town, having apparently been taken from the Putāruru Landfill.
Vincent Arbuckle, the deputy director-general of NZFS, emphasized the potential dangers, stating, 'Eating cheese that has been in a landfill for a period of time and out of the food supply chain carries very obvious food safety risks of contamination.' He further advised, 'The cheese should not be eaten as it has not been subject to required food safety controls and we do not know how it has been stored, transported, or handled.'
The affected cheeses are identified by their batch numbers: 18.11.25, 25.11.25, and 26.11.25. It is important to note that the cheese was not refrigerated, which further emphasizes the safety concerns. While Over the Moon Dairy has reported the issue and is working to inform customers, the NZFS has warned that cheese purchased from the company's registered vendors is safe to eat if not affected. However, caution is advised if cheese from the brand is sold by an unregistered business.
Arbuckle added, 'Selling dumped cheese is illegal and a food safety risk to public health. New Zealand Food Safety is investigating.'
This incident raises important questions about the safety of food products and the potential risks associated with unauthorized sales. It is crucial for consumers to be aware of such incidents and for regulatory bodies to take swift action to protect public health.
