VICTORIAN cheeses could be infected with a potentially deadly bacteria, warns Victoria's Chief Health Officer.

Two popular brands of soft cheeses, Jindi and Wattle Valley, have been recalled after a national investigation uncovered a cluster of cases, the Herald Sun reports.
 
Two Victorians have been linked to the outbreak of listeria, which is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, their unborn babies and the elderly.

Dr Rosemary Lester issued a warning yesterday to avoid eating the soft cheeses, which are sold in delicatessens and supermarkets.

Eight cases have been detected nationally.

One case each in Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia and three in NSW.

Dr Lester said listeria infection can cause miscarriages in pregnant women and even death in people with compromised immune systems.

The suspect cheeses are: 1kg Jindi brie, 1kg Jindi camembert, 1kg Wattle Valley double brie and 1kg Wattle Valley camembert with a best before date of December 21.

Dr Lester said consumers should throw the cheeses out or return to the store for a full refund.
 
It can take up to 70 days for listeria symptoms, which include fever, headache, tiredness and aches and pains, to appear.

Read more at heraldsun.com.au