Henderson Dairy recalls two batches of raw milk product

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Henderson Dairy is recalling specific batches of its Farm Fresh Raw Milk (unpasteurised) 1 Litre as the product may contain listeria.
Photo: Supplied / Ministry of Primary Industries

Henderson Dairy is recalling two batches of its raw milk product due to concerns it may contain listeria.

The batches, sold by Henderson Dairy, are:

1 litre Farm Fresh Raw Milk batch code 240724 with use-by 280724
1 litre Farm Fresh Raw Milk batch code 260724 with use-by 300724

New Zealand Food Safety acting deputy director-general Jenny Bishop said the products under recall were identified through routine testing, and there have been no reports of associated illness.

“New Zealand Food Safety will work with Henderson Dairy to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence,” she said.

A listeria infection could be serious among pregnant people, newborns, the elderly, and those with a weakened immune system.

“These products should not be consumed. Return them to Henderson Dairy for a refund or, if that’s not possible, throw them out,” Bishop said.

Listeria differed to other harmful bacteria in that it could grow at refrigerator temperatures, Bishop said.

“You have to be very careful about the foods you eat, or provide to others, if you or they are in a vulnerable group,” she said.

“It is particularly dangerous during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage, premature labour or stillbirth, and infection in the new-born baby.”

However, an infection in healthy adults is unlikely to be severe, at most causing mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms within a few days of eating contaminated food.

For those in the vulnerable groups, it usually takes two to three weeks – or even longer – before symptoms appear.

Bishop said drinking raw milk carried inherent risks because it might contain harmful bacteria that were killed through the pasteurisation process.

“If you have consumed any of this product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.”