Magnolia Real Limited is recalling specific batches of its Magnolia Dairy brand Fresh Whole Full Cream Certified Organic Raw Milk (unpasteurised), as the product may contain campylobacter bacteria.
The product was sold through a vending machine at Magnolia’s premises in Silverdale, Auckland. It has not been exported.
“The concern with this unpasteurised milk is that it may contain campylobacter, a foodborne bacterium that can make you sick,” said New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
The affected product is Magnolia Dairy brand Fresh Whole Full Cream Certified Organic Raw Milk with use-by dates between 13 August 2024 up to and including 25 August 2024.
Arbuckle said the raw milk should not be consumed. Return it to Magnolia for a refund or, if that’s not possible, throw it out.
“You can also heat the raw milk until just boiling, or to 70 degrees, for one minute to kill any bacteria present before drinking it.
“Drinking raw milk carries inherent risks as it may contain harmful bacteria that are killed through the pasteurisation process.”
Symptoms of campylobacter infection are vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, and body aches.
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.
The product under recall was identified through routine testing, and there have been no reports of associated illness.
“As is our usual practice, NZFS will be working with Magnolia Real Limited to understand how the contamination occurred and to prevent its recurrence,” Arbuckle said.
In Focus Podcast | NZ food system in disarray
Calls for a national food strategy are growing as the cost of living crisis leaves many unable to afford nutritious food here, despite living in a food producing powerhouse. Lincoln University’s Professor Alan Renwick says it will take a holistic approach as there are many aspects to consider – health, social development, commerce and agriculture. He says the changing climate will force us to rethink how we produce food and where.