Cheese dumped in a Waikato landfill has been illegally resold, according to New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS).
Over The Moon, which manufactured the affected cheeses, had previously disposed of them at the Putaruru Landfill after determining they were not fit for consumption.
The affected cheeses had batch numbers 18.11.25, 25.11.25 and 26.11.25.
They included Camembert, OMG, Black Truffle Brie, Galactic Gold, Halloumi, Gee’s Spread (Black Truffle & Garlic Chilli flavours), Smoked Chilli Camembert, Goat Camembert, and Double Delight varieties.
NZFS deputy-director general Vincent Arbuckle said there were “serious concerns” about the safety of the product “given the company determined it was not suitable for sale and rightly disposed of it”.
“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 said.
“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.”
In a message posted on its website, Over the Moon said the “black-market batches” were being sold by individuals “at well below retail prices”.
“None have been distributed or are being sold through our own factory, store or authorised retailers.
“Over the Moon Dairy prides itself on producing the best possible quality of artisan New Zealand cheese for our customers and we care deeply about you – so please only purchase from our own store or a reputable stockist of our cheeses.”
Anyone who found affected cheese for sale was urged to contact NZFS on 0800 00 83 33.
NZFS was not aware of any illnesses, but said investigations were underway as the sales were illegal and carried public health risks.