Cheese product recalls issued urgently due to suspected listeria contamination leading to two reported deaths
In June 2025, a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak was confirmed in France, involving soft, pasteurized milk cheeses produced by the Chavegrand company in the Creuse region [1][4][5]. The affected cheeses include Camembert, goat cheese, Coulommiers, and Gorgonzola, among others [1][4][5].
The outbreak resulted in 21 confirmed cases of listeriosis in France, with ages ranging from 34 to 95, and two deaths. One related case was reported in Belgium [1][2][5]. The cheeses were produced before June 23, 2025, and marketed until August 9, 2025, under various brand names. These products were distributed nationally in France and internationally to over 20 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Singapore, and Australia [1][2].
The recalled products bear the health mark FR 23.117.001 CE/UE, and consumers are urged not to consume any implicated batches [1][2][5]. The outbreak was confirmed through epidemiological and microbiological studies by Santé Publique France, the National Listeria Reference Centre at the Pasteur Institute, and other health agencies [1][2].
Listeria can multiply at refrigerator temperatures, making soft, ready-to-eat cheeses a high-risk food. Symptoms of listeriosis can appear up to 8 weeks after consumption, complicating rapid detection [4]. Individuals who consumed these cheeses and develop symptoms such as fever, headaches, or muscle aches are advised to seek medical attention promptly and inform their doctors about the cheese consumption [5].
Foodwatch France, a consumer protection organisation, has expressed concerns about the delay in recalls, with Camille Dorioz, director of campaigns at Foodwatch France, questioning the actions taken by the company and the authorities regarding the contamination [6]. Foodwatch France is also seeking clarification on when the company put measures in place, whether they were sufficient, and who was responsible for the delay in recalls [6].
Despite the ongoing investigations, no new information about the exact cause of the contamination or any ongoing recalls related to the contaminated cheeses is given in the reports [1][2][4][5][6]. Listeriosis, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, is the second leading cause of death by food poisoning in France [3].
It is strongly recommended to consult a doctor if these symptoms are experienced. The specific supermarket chains where the affected cheeses were sold have not been specified in any of the reports.
- The Listeria monocytogenes outbreak, linked to French soft, pasteurized milk cheeses, has raised concerns about health and wellness, specifically in relation to medical-conditions like listeriosis, which is the second leading cause of death by food poisoning in France.
- In the wake of the French Listeria outbreak involving soft cheeses, it's crucial for consumers to be aware of the importance of nutrition, especially in terms of food safety, as Listeria can multiply at refrigerator temperatures and can lead to serious medical-conditions like listeriosis.
