Concerns are being raised about the unauthorised sale of cheese that had previously been disposed of in a Waikato landfill.

“We have serious concerns about the safety of this product given the company determined it was not suitable for sale and rightly disposed of it,” New Zealand Food Safety deputy-director general Vincent Arbuckle said in a statement.

“Also, 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.”

”The cheese appears to be taken from the Putaruru Landfill before being reportedly discovered for sale in the Waikato town on Sunday.

“It was not refrigerated and is not safe to eat. It is possible sales of these affected cheeses occurred in other areas.

“If you find affected cheese for sale, do not eat it and let us know on our free calling number 0800 00 83 33.”

The cheeses are all Over The Moon products with batch numbers 18.11.25, 25.11.25 and 26.11.25.

Camembert, OMG, Black Truffle Brie, Galactic Gold, Halloumi, Gee’s Spread (Black Truffle & Garlic Chilli flavours), Smoked Chilli Camembert, Goat Camembert, Double Delight.

Over the Moon reported the issue to NZ Food Safety and is working to inform its customers.

“If you are offered Over the Moon cheese from an unregistered business, or the transaction does not seem legitimate, it’s best to exercise caution,” Arbuckle said.

“Selling dumped cheese is illegal and a food safety risk to public health.

NZ Food Safety is investigating and is not aware of any related illness.

More information is available on Over the Moon’s website: Special Notice: Deleted Batches – Over the Moon Dairy