CONTAMINATED AUSTRALIAN CHEESE NOT EXPORTED TO MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Cheese products by B.-d Paris Creek Pty
Ltd of South Australia which had been recalled for bacteria contamination are
not exported to Malaysia.

Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai said this was conveyed to the
ministry by a company representative and confirmed by Food Safety Information
System Malaysia (FOSIM).

He said the ministry conducts five tests at all entry points to analyse
listeria monocytogenes, a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a disease
caused by consuming contaminated food.

"Listeriosis can cause strong fever, severe headache, stiff neck and nausea.
Those with weak immune system like pregnant women and senior citizens are risky
groups," he said in a statement Saturday.


Reports by Sydney Morning Herald and posting on the Australian Competition
and Consumer Commission dated Oct 19 said Paris Creek Cheese Norwegino, Paris
Creek Cheese Gouda, Paris Creek Cheese Tilsit and Paris Creek Cheese Cheddar had
been recalled from the Singapore and Australia market for listeria monocytogenes
contamination.

Liow said pregnant women infected with the bacteria could have light flu,
premature birth, infection to newborns or cause stillbirth.

"The ministry is always sensitive to things that can threaten safety of
consumers and had conducted stringent checks. We can assure that food entering
the country is safe."

Health and analysis certificates for listeria monocytogenes were imposed on
producing countries for all imported cheese products since July 1 2008.

Samples taken from 44 cheese products found that all did not contain
bacteria and thus passed the tests.

-- BERNAMA