South Australians, particularly pregnant women, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, are urged to return Kalleske’s Meat’s Plain Mettwurst purchased from Coles supermarkets following detection of Listeria.
The Department for Health and Wellbeing’s Director of Food and Controlled Drugs Branch, Dr Fay Jenkins, said the recall is a precautionary measure.
“We received confirmation that Kalleske’s Meat’s has detected Listeria during routine testing on a product currently on hold at the business, but as a precautionary measure they are initiating a recall on the other products made on the same day,” Dr Jenkins said.
“While we have not received notification of anyone contracting Listeria from the product, the infection can be extremely serious if it is contracted by elderly people, pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems.
“Many people are exposed to Listeria with often only mild illness resulting, but it can be more serious in the at-risk groups.
“As a precaution, we recommend anyone who has purchased this product from a Coles supermarket not to eat it, and either return it to the place of purchase, or discard it.”
The full recall includes the Kalleske’s Meat’s Plain Mettwurst 500g, as well as the bonus 150g with Best Before 11 May 20, sold in plastic shrink wrap at Coles supermarkets in Port Lincoln, Burnside, Salisbury, Port Augusta, Gawler, Parabanks and Paralowie.
Listeria infection starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and sometimes diarrhoea.
People can start experiencing symptoms within a few days, but symptoms can take up to six weeks to appear after eating contaminated product.
Those most at-risk include pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborn babies, the elderly, people of all ages with immune systems weakened by disease or illness, and anyone on medication that can suppress the immune system.
If symptoms develop, people are advised to see their GP and those in the at-risk groups should consult their GP as early as possible if any symptoms appear.
