The discovery that packs of pre-sliced chicken sold by the supermarket chain Coles were contaminated with listeria, has prompted a recall of the product from stores in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland and Coles Online.
The cause of the listeria contamination, found in the chicken during routine product testing, is now under investigation.
The products affected are the 'You'll love Coles sliced-chicken breast' 2 x 50g packs with a 'best before' date of October 7 which was sold in Coles, BI-LO and Pick 'n Pay stores.
Listeria monocytogenes bacteria were found in the chicken which came from a single supplier and checks are being made to track down the source and reason for the contamination.
While no cases of ill health have been reported, it is unclear how much of the sliced chicken had been sold - Coles says no other products are affected.
Coles supermarkets is a part of Wesfarmers, Australia's second largest retailer and this latest recall is the 7th regarding listeria-tainted products in Australia this year.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) which sets food standards in both countries says the fact that the recalls occur before consumers become sick illustrates that the system is working.
Foodborne disease are a concern for regulators and food industries worldwide and progress in food technology and changes in the demands of consumers, has led to the emergence of new microbiological hazards.
This in turn means there is a focus on foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, which is a hardy bacteria able to grow in temperatures ranging from 4°C (39°F), the temperature of a refrigerator, to 37°C (99°F), the body's internal temperature.