Woolworths recalls Delmaine antipasto products over listeria contamination fears

Woolworths has recalled multiple Delmaine and Woolworths brand antipasto products because of a fear they may contain listeria bacteria.

Woolworths has recalled multiple Delmaine and Woolworths brand antipasto products due to fears they may contain listeria bacteria.

A Woolworths spokesperson said if people had bought any of the 16 affected products between June 27 and August 23, they should be returned to the store.

List of affected products

• Delmaine Fine Foods brand Five Olive Mix (200g) with a use-by between 16/10/24 - 20/11/24
• Delmaine Fine Foods brand Jumbo Olive Selection (200g) with a use-by between 9/10/24 - 27/11/24
• Delmaine Fine Foods brand Pitted Olive Medley (180g) with a use-by between 9/10/24 - 4/12/24
• Delmaine Fine Foods brand Stuffed Olive Mix (160g) with a use-by of 5/12/24
• Delmaine Fine Foods brand Mediterranean Antipasto Mix (215g) with a use-by between 16/10/24-20/11/24
• Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Feta (150g) with a use-by between 10/10/24 - 4/12/24
• Delmaine Fine Foods brand Stuffed Red Peppers (190g) with a use-by between 24/10/24 - 5/12/24
• Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes (200g) with a use-by between 10/10/24 - 4/12/24
• Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes (270g) with a use-by between 7/04/25 - 30/04/25
• Woolworths brand Feta and Sundried Tomatoes (200g) with a use-by between 21/11/24 - 25/12/24
• Woolworths brand Greek Mix (200g) with a use-by between 20/11/24 - 1/01/25
• Woolworths brand Olive Selection (200g) with a use-by between 13/11/24 - 25/12/24
• Delmaine Fine Foods brand Mediterranean Mix, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
• Delmaine Fine Foods brand Italian Mix, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
• Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
• Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Feta & Sundried Tomatoes, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024

“While there haven’t been any reported cases of illness from these products, we’re taking this precaution to make sure you stay safe,” a spokesperson said.

What you need to do

• Don’t consume it: If you have any of these products, don’t eat them.
• Get a refund: Return them to the store, and you’ll get a full refund.
• Seek medical advice: If you’ve eaten these and have any health concerns, talk to your doctor.

“We’re really sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve this. If you have any questions or need help, feel free to reach out,” Woolworths said.

Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. It’s not something that usually makes most people sick, but it can be more dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) told the Herald it is supporting Delmaine in its recall.

“As is our usual practice, NZFS will work with Delmaine to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence,” NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said.

“Listeria differs from other harmful bacteria in that it can grow at refrigerator temperatures. So you need to be very careful about the foods you eat, or provide to others, if you or they are in a vulnerable group,” Arbuckle said.

Delmaine stuffed red peppers is one of the products that has been recalled due to a risk of listeria infection.

“It is particularly dangerous during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage, premature labour or stillbirth, and infection in the newborn baby.”

Infection in healthy adults is unlikely to be severe, at most causing mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms within a few days of eating contaminated food. For those in the vulnerable groups, it usually takes two to three weeks – or even longer – before symptoms appear.

Woolworths brand feta and sundried tomatoes is one of the products recalled because of a risk they may contain listeria bacteria.

“The products under recall were identified through routine testing. They have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported,” Arbuckle said.

If you have consumed any of these products and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.