A major deli meats recall has been announced across parts of Australia due to fears of potential listeria contamination. Food Standards Australia and New Zealand confirmed that five different pre-packaged meat products from Götzinger Smallgoods are affected, prompting a safety warning for consumers in Queensland and New South Wales.
The deli meats recall includes various sliced ham and roast beef products that may contain traces of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria known to cause serious illness, particularly among pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Products Affected by the Recall
The following items are part of the deli meats recall and should not be consumed:
- Sliced Silverside 1kg – Use by dates up to and including 20 December 2025
- Sliced Roast Beef 1kg – Use by dates up to and including 13 December 2025
- 4×4 Ham Sliced 1kg – Use by dates up to and including 13 December 2025
- Champagne Ham Sliced 1kg – Use by dates up to and including 17 December 2025
- Provincial Ham Sliced 1kg – Use by dates up to and including 5 December 2025
These products were sold by various retailers across Queensland and New South Wales. Food Standards Australia has urged anyone who purchased them to stop consuming the meat immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Understanding the Listeria Risk
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacteria that can cause listeriosis, an infection that results from eating contaminated food such as cold meats, unpasteurised dairy products, or raw vegetables. Symptoms may include fever, nausea, muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches. In severe cases, it can lead to complications like meningitis or miscarriage.
The deli meats recall is particularly concerning for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, newborn babies, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. While the general population can also experience illness, most healthy adults recover without long-term effects.
Health authorities have advised consumers to monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if they feel unwell after eating any of the recalled products.
Woolworths Meat Recalled Amid Safety Concerns
This deli meats recall also impacts certain Woolworths meat recalled products that carried the affected Götzinger label. The supermarket giant has already removed the items from shelves and online listings. Woolworths customers who purchased the recalled products are encouraged to check their packaging for matching use-by dates and to return them for a full refund.
A spokesperson for Woolworths confirmed that customer safety remains the company’s top priority and that they are working closely with suppliers to ensure no additional products are impacted.
What Consumers Should Do
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand recommend taking the following precautions:
- Do not consume any of the recalled products.
- Return them to the store for a full refund.
- Clean and disinfect any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the affected deli meats.
- Seek medical advice if you experience symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, or nausea after consumption.
The meat recalled Woolworths notice has been shared across multiple health and consumer safety platforms, aiming to prevent further exposure and ensure public awareness.
Listeria and Food Safety in Australia
Listeria-related recalls are rare but taken very seriously by Australian food authorities. Even trace levels of the bacteria can be dangerous, particularly in ready-to-eat foods like cold cuts and soft cheeses. The ongoing deli meats recall underscores the importance of rigorous food safety practices in manufacturing and distribution chains.
Götzinger Smallgoods has stated that they are cooperating fully with regulators and investigating the source of contamination. Until further notice, customers are urged to check any deli products in their fridge, especially those purchased from major supermarkets in recent weeks.
This incident serves as a timely reminder for consumers to follow storage guidelines, cook meats thoroughly when possible, and stay informed about recalls issued by Food Standards Australia.
The deli meats recall represents one of the most significant food safety alerts this year, reinforcing the need for vigilance across the industry and among shoppers.Stay informed about major food recalls, health alerts, and consumer news at StartupNews.FYI.
