A selection of hard cheeses sold at Aldi and some independent supermarkets has been recalled after routine testing found traces of listeria.

The products are in the Bush Pepper line, produced by Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm Cheese. The items affected are:

* Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm Cheese – Wine Lovers, a selection of five cheeses in a box, 250g, with a 'best before' of 7/7/14 or 23/6/14

* Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm Cheese – Picnic Pack, a selection of three cheeses in a box, 150g, with a 'best before' of 23/6/14

* Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm Cheese – Bush Pepper, a single cheese, 50g, with a 'best before' of 30/6/14

* Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm Cheese – Bush Pepper, a single cheese half-wheel , 1.25kg, with a 'best before' of 17/3/14

* Emporium Selection Pepper Cheese (Aldi), a single cheese, 170g, with a 'best before' of 14/7/14 or 3/8/14.

The Ashgrove branded products were sold in independent supermarkets in Tasmania and Victoria, while the Emporium Selection Pepper Cheese was sold in Aldi stores. Anybody who purchased the cheeses are advised not to eat them and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Listeria can cause serious illness in pregnant women and their unborn babies. The bacteria can pass across the placenta and can cause miscarriage, premature rupture of membranes and premature birth.


It can also cause illness in the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, such as those under going treatment for cancer.

This time last year, there were two deaths and a miscarriage after a similar listeria outbreak in a Victorian range of cheeses.

This year there have been no reports of illness associated with the cheeses, however anyone who has consumed the product and has concerns about their health should consult their doctor.

Ashgrove general manager Richard Bennett said food wholesalers and retail outlets had been notified of the recall and all affected products were being removed from supermarket shelves.

“The delivery of the highest quality products is our number one priority and we will keep our suppliers and customers regularly informed of any developments,” he said.

“At this stage we understand this is an isolated incident and none of our other products are affected.

“We apologise to our customers and the public for any inconvenience caused and we will continue to issue updates for consumers.”