Class II U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Oxoid Microbact Identification Kits, Listeria 12L Kit, 20 Tests recall: Oxoid Ltd., part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Recall published 7 months ago

Oxoid Ltd., part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, confirmed that Microbact 12L Kit 20 Tests MB1128A lot 4494873 may identify incorrect organism due to inconclusive result from ambiguous color reactions in wells.

The hazard: Listeria contamination

This is a Listeria recall, so the usual kitchen tests do not apply — the bacteria grow in a cold fridge and leave no smell, no cloudiness and no off taste.

What the notice says: Oxoid Ltd., part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, confirmed that Microbact 12L Kit 20 Tests MB1128A lot 4494873 may identify incorrect organism due to inconclusive result from ambiguous color reactions in wells.

Why it matters: Listeria monocytogenes is unusual among foodborne bacteria because it keeps growing at refrigerator temperature. A contaminated pack does not become safer for sitting in the cold, and it will look, smell and taste completely normal.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

Listeriosis is mild or silent in most healthy adults, but it is serious for pregnant people, newborns, adults over 65 and anyone whose immune system is suppressed. The CDC describes intestinal illness as diarrhoea and vomiting, and invasive illness as fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions. In pregnancy it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or infection in the newborn even when the parent feels only mildly unwell. Symptoms can start within a day or not appear for weeks, so tell any doctor you see that you ate a recalled product and give them the date.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Recall number
Z-1766-2026
Published
April 8, 2026
Risk level
Class II
Status
Ongoing
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Oxoid Australia Pty Limited
Product type
Medical devices
Units affected
2 kits
Distribution
Nationwide
Made in
Australia
Lot / code info
UDI/DI 5032384127498, Lot Number 4494873
UPC codes
5032384127498

Products covered by this recall

OXOID MICROBACT IDENTIFICATION KITS, Listeria 12L Kit, 20 Tests; Listeria identification sysystem

Check your product

The notice names 3 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

UPC / barcode

Read the twelve digits under the barcode on the package.

  • 5032384127498

Lot or batch code

Usually ink-stamped near the seam, the cap or the bottom of the pack.

  • 4494873 — 2 kits

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 12 L

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Device enforcement notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Listeria

Oxoid Australia Pty Limited — This is a Listeria recall, so the usual kitchen tests do not apply — the bacteria grow in a cold fridge and leave no smell, no cloudiness and no off taste.

  1. Do not eat it and do not open a sealed pack to inspect it — opening it only spreads the bacteria around your kitchen.
  2. Photograph the label, the lot code and the date mark before the pack leaves the house — that picture is what a refund claim runs on.
  3. Throw it out in a sealed bag, or return it to the store. Either is accepted; what matters is that nobody else eats it.
  4. Wash and then sanitise anything the food touched: the fridge shelf and drawer, chopping boards, knives, counters and your hands. Listeria colonises cold surfaces and can survive there after the food is gone.

Getting a refund without the pack

The commonest reason people skip the refund is that they have already thrown the item away. That rarely matters.

  • A photo of the label and lot code is accepted by most grocers, and so is a card statement line showing the purchase.
  • Store credit is often offered first. You can ask for the original payment method instead, and it is normally granted.
  • No photo either? Ask anyway. Grocery chains settle recall refunds at the service desk because disputing them costs more than paying them.
  • For a multi-pack or a case, ask for the full purchase price rather than a per-unit figure — the recall covers what you paid.

Company contact: Oxoid Australia Pty Limited — 20 Dlgleish St, South Australia

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Device enforcement record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Oxoid Australia Pty Limited medical devices recalled?

Oxoid Ltd., part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, confirmed that Microbact 12L Kit 20 Tests MB1128A lot 4494873 may identify incorrect organism due to inconclusive result from ambiguous color reactions in wells. Oxoid Ltd., part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, confirmed that Microbact 12L Kit 20 Tests MB1128A lot 4494873 may identify incorrect organism due to inconclusive result from ambiguous color reactions in wells.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: UPC 5032384127498; lot code 4494873 — 2 kits. If the code on your package is not on that list, your unit is outside the recall.

What should I do with it right now?

Do not eat it and do not open a sealed pack to inspect it — opening it only spreads the bacteria around your kitchen.

Can I get my money back?

A photo of the label and lot code is accepted by most grocers, and so is a card statement line showing the purchase.

Where was the recalled product sold?

It was distributed nationwide.

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