Coles and Lion have issued recalls for milk a number of milk products sold in Western Australia after discovering a microbial coliforms contamination.
The two Coles branded milks are "Coles Brand Western Australian fresh hilo milk 98% fat free carton 1L" and "Coles Brand Western Australian fresh full cream milk carton 1 litre". Coles is only recalling milks with the use-by date of 6 February 2016. Lion is the producer of these products.
Lion's other milks which have been recalled in WA include:
Pura Hi-Lo 600ml with the use by date of 7 February 2016 Pura Hi-Lo 1L with the use by date of 7 February 2016 Masters Strawberry 300ml with the use by date of 7 February 2016 Masters Strawberry 600ml with the use by date of 7 February 2016 Masters Strawberry 1L with the use by date of 7 February 2016 Masters Double Shot iced Coffee 600ml with the use by date of 7 February 2016 Masters Mocha 600ml with the use by date of 7 February 2016 Masters Mocha 1L with the use by date of 7 February 2016 Masters Coffee Light 600ml with the use by date of 7 February 2016 Masters Chocolate 300ml with the use by date of 6 February 2016 Masters Chocolate 600ml with the use by date of 6 February 2016 Farmers Union Iced Coffee 600ml with the use by date of 7 February 2016
The contamination was discovered by Lion through routine internal testing, although there had been no consumer complaints to date.
"Importantly, Lion has undertaken additional testing on all retention samples for these batches, and, to date, testing has found no evidence of any contaminant know to cause illness," Lion said in a statement.
Lion believes that the contamination is an "isolated incident" only impacting one manufacturing line on the 23 January 2016 at its Bentley dairy site which is located in Perth.
Both the Australian government agency Food Standards Australia New Zealand and Lion say consumers concerned about their health should seek immediate medical advice.
If the Coles milk is returned to its point of purchase consumers will receive a full refund. Lion is advising its customers to dispose of its other milks and contact its Customer Enquires Centre for a refund.
