New Zealand Food Safety has issued a public warning after cheese previously dumped at the Putaruru Landfill was reportedly retrieved and sold in the Waikato on Sunday.

Officials say the cheese, which had been disposed of because it was not suitable for sale, was offered without refrigeration and should not be eaten. “Eating cheese that has been in a landfill for a period of time and out of the food supply chain carries very obvious food safety risks of contamination,” deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said. “We do not know how it has been stored, transported, or handled.”

The affected products are Over The Moon brand cheeses with batch numbers 18.11.25, 25.11.25, and 26.11.25. New Zealand Food Safety says it is possible the cheese was sold in other areas as well.

If you see Over The Moon cheese for sale outside usual channels or the transaction doesn’t seem legitimate, officials say to avoid it and report it by calling 0800 008 333. Selling dumped food is illegal, and an investigation is under way. No related illnesses have been reported.

Over The Moon reported the issue to New Zealand Food Safety and is contacting customers. Cheese bought through the company’s registered stockists is not affected and is safe to eat.

More information is available on Over The Moon’s website under “Special notice: Deleted batches.” For general enquiries, contact MPI on 0800 008 333 or info@mpi.govt.nz.