Second milk brand recalls products over E. coli contamination fears

Customers living in New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory are being urged to check their fridges as an urgent recall has been issued by popular chain 7-Eleven, the second such recall in less than 24 hours.

The NSW Food Authority issued the warning on Thursday evening and advised consumers that 7-Eleven Stores Pty Ltd was recalling its 2L Full Cream Milk product with a use by date of February 24th 2020.

The recall is due to potential microbial (E. coli) contamination and anyone who has purchased the affected milk is being urged not to consume it and to return the product to the place of purchase in order to receive a refund.

According to the government’s Health Direct website, E. coli (Escherichia coli) are a group of bacteria that are found in the gut of almost all humans and animals. Some strains can cause illness, while others are harmless.

Minor illnesses such as diarrhoea and sickness can be contracted as a result of E. coli contamination, while urinary tract infections are also common. However the bacteria can also result in more serious health issues, such as pneumonia, meningitis and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder).

Early symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea which often contains traces of blood. Anyone who believes they may be infected should seek medical advice.

The news comes after manufacturer Lion Dairy & Drinks issued an urgent recall of two of its Dairy Farmers products across the state of New South Wales out of fear of similar potential contamination.

Customers across New South Wales were urged to check their fridges on Thursday while supermarkets, including Coles, Woolworths and IGA, pulled the potentially-affected products from their shelves due to potential microbial contamination (E. coli).

The affected products were Dairy Farmers 1L Full Cream white milk products with a Use by Date of 25/02/2020 and its Dairy Farmers 3L Full Cream white milk products with a Use by Date of 24/02/2020.

Anyone who has purchased the above products was urged not to consume the product, as it could cause illness, and to dispose of the milk immediately, before calling Lion Dairy & Drinks’ consumer enquiry centre on 1800 677 852 for a full refund.

“This is a food safety issue. As this may cause illness if the product is consumed, Lion Dairy & Drinks immediately moved to recall the products from market,” a statement issued by Lion Dairy & Drinks read.

“The impacted products were manufactured at the Lion Dairy & Drinks’ Penrith dairy manufacturing site and have been distributed for sale across New South Wales through Coles, Woolworths and IGA stores and some independent outlets.”

The recall does not affect any other Dairy Farmers products made in New South Wales, and does not extend to any other states or territories.