Casualties are mounting in Australia's biggest ever outbreak of listeriosis.
In NSW, a further three cases of the bacterial illness have been identified, bringing the national total to 21.
This includes the death of an 84-year-old Victorian and a 44-year-old Tasmanian.
The Victorian Department of Health has identified a ''definitive'' link between the outbreak and batches of brie, camembert, blue and other soft cheeses manufactured by the Jindi Cheese company at its Jindivick factory in Victoria, the state's acting chief health officer, Dr Michael Ackland said.
The illness is caused by the widespread pathogen Listeria monocytogenes which can affect a range of food products, notably soft cheeses and raw vegetables.
The Jindi company has issued a voluntary recall of all cheeses it made before January 7.
This takes in more than 100 products sold under several brand names including Jindi, Wattle Valley, Coles Finest and Harris Farm with use-by dates ranging from February 17 to April 4 and distributed throughout Australia and internationally.
The cause of the outbreak could be a change to normal refrigeration processes.
The listeria germ is unusual because it continues to thrive even at fridge temperatures. It can cause blood poisoning and meningitis.
