Woolworths Meat Recall Due to Listeria Risk
An urgent recall has been issued for several deli meat products sold under the Gotzinger Smallgoods brand, after traces of Listeria monocytogenes were found in some of their products. Health authorities have warned consumers not to consume the affected items.
Recall Details
The recall, announced by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), affects Gotzinger Smallgoods-branded deli meats, including:
- Sliced silverside
- Roast beef
- 4×4 sandwich ham
- Champagne ham
- Provincial ham
All affected products were sold in 1kg packages. While initial reports suggested Woolworths stores were involved, both Gotzinger Smallgoods and Woolworths have clarified that these items were not sold through Woolworths retail outlets. Despite this, the recall has caused widespread concern, as consumers remain cautious about similar products.
Cause of Recall
The recall was triggered after Listeria monocytogenes was detected in a sample of Gotzinger’s 1kg sliced roast beef. Although only one product tested positive for contamination, the company and regulators decided to pull the entire range of sliced meats as a precautionary measure.
"The recall was initiated due to the potential risk of Listeria contamination, even though only one product tested positive. The decision was made as a preventive action."
Public Concerns
Even though the affected products were not sold at Woolworths, the recall has garnered significant attention under the term "Woolworths meat recall" as consumers become wary of deli meats in general. The seriousness of the contamination risk has led to widespread media coverage and consumer caution.
Conclusion
The recall highlights the importance of vigilance in food safety, especially in deli products. While the risk of contamination was limited to a single product, the precautionary recall affects an entire product line, demonstrating the seriousness of the issue.
Author's Summary: A recall of Gotzinger Smallgoods deli meats has been issued after Listeria was found in one product, prompting a precautionary withdrawal of all similar products due to contamination risks.