Cheese Company Seeks Justice After Stolen Products Resold

A boutique cheese company in New Zealand is grappling with a distressing incident involving the theft and resale of its products. Sue Arthur, director of Over the Moon Dairy, reported that cheese discarded due to quality concerns was stolen from the Putāruru Landfill and subsequently sold on the roadside and online.

Arthur expressed her devastation upon discovering that the cheese, which had been deemed sub-par and sent to the landfill just 24 hours earlier, was being offered for sale. “When I became aware that the cheese was being sold on the side of the road, I was absolutely heartbroken,” she stated. “All of the hard work to ensure our quality was maintained was undermined by the actions of others.”

The affected cheese products had been securely bagged and disposed of after failing to meet the company’s rigorous quality standards. According to Arthur, the decision to dispose of these products was made in consultation with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), which supported their actions.

In response to the theft, the company is now collaborating with local police to identify those responsible. Arthur confirmed that the investigation includes reviewing CCTV footage from the council to track the individuals who removed the cheese shortly after its disposal. A police spokesperson indicated that a report was filed on Sunday, revealing that two individuals were involved in selling the discarded cheese at a local market and on Facebook Marketplace.

Authorities have cautioned the public about the potential health risks associated with consuming the stolen cheese. “The cheese was reportedly discarded because it did not meet standards for sale and could cause sickness if consumed,” the police spokesperson noted. In light of this, they urged anyone who may have purchased the product to heed advice from the MPI.

The New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has also issued warnings regarding the incident. Deputy Director General Vincent Arbuckle explained that cheese exposed to landfill conditions poses significant food safety risks, including contamination. “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,” Arbuckle stated. He emphasized that the cheese should not be consumed, as it has not been subject to the required food safety controls.

The specific products affected include various Over the Moon cheese varieties, such as Camembert, OMG, Black Truffle Brie, Galactic Gold, Halloumi, Gee’s Spread (Black Truffle & Garlic Chilli flavors), Smoked Chilli Camembert, Goat Camembert, and Double Delight, with batch numbers 18.11.25, 25.11.25, and 26.11.25. Arbuckle warned that similar sales could have occurred in other areas, urging consumers to exercise caution and only purchase cheese from registered vendors.

Selling discarded food products is illegal and poses a significant public health risk. New Zealand Food Safety is actively investigating the matter, although they have not been informed of any related illnesses at this time.

Consumers can ensure they are purchasing safe products by buying from registered vendors and farmers’ markets, including the Hamilton Farmers’ Market and the Claudelands Wedge Mobile Fromagerie. Over the Moon Dairy emphasizes its commitment to quality and safety, reassuring customers about their dedication to maintaining high standards. The company expressed gratitude for the support from its loyal customers, the MPI, and law enforcement in resolving this troubling situation.