New Zealand Warns Against Cheese Recovered From Landfill and Sold Illegally

New Zealand Food Safety has issued a public warning after discovering that cheese intended for disposal at a landfill was illegally recovered and sold to consumers. The products, from the Over The Moon brand, were dumped at the Putaruru Landfill after the company deemed them unsuitable for sale. Some of the cheese was later found being sold in the Waikato region, with possible sales elsewhere.

The affected products include Camembert, Black Truffle Brie, Halloumi, Goat Camembert, and several other varieties with batch numbers 18.11.25, 25.11.25, and 26.11.25. While no related illnesses have been reported, authorities say the products pose serious food safety risks due to potential contamination and unknown storage and handling conditions.

Officials stress that selling discarded food is illegal and unsafe. Consumers are advised not to eat these cheeses and to discard them immediately if obtained from unregistered or suspicious sellers.

23-12-2025