Two people have died in a Listeria outbreak in France linked to cheese.
French health authorities reported 21 cases of listeriosis caused by bacterial strains with similar characteristics, including 18 cases since the beginning of June. Patients range in age from 34 to 95.
Investigations are being led by Santé Publique France with help from the National Listeria Reference Centre of Institut Pasteur, the General Directorate of Food (DGAL), and General Directorate of Health (DGS).
At the beginning of August, epidemiological and microbiological findings pointed to a possible link between the cases and consumption of pasteurized milk cheeses produced by a company called Chavegrand.
The company has recalled all batches of cheese produced before June 23, 2025.
Products, which are all soft cheeses made from pasteurized cow’s milk or goat’s milk, were marketed until Aug. 9 throughout France as well as internationally, under different commercial brands. They can be identified by the health mark FR 23.117.001.
Anyone in possession of the products is asked not to consume them. Officials said contamination of pasteurized cheese is rare but can still occur because of the widespread presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the environment.
Damage is done, says Foodwatch
Consumer group Foodwatch said a variety of cheeses, such as brie, carré, camembert, coulommiers, and double crème were affected as part of the growing list of recall notices.
Camille Dorioz, campaign director at foodwatch, said: “The problem for consumers is that, as usual, these recalls come too late when the damage is done. We know that the same company had already recalled products in June due to the Listeria problem. It should have taken the necessary hygiene measures and ensured that it was not marketing products that exposed consumers to a health hazard.”
Dorioz also questioned the role of the regulatory authorities.
“What did they do between June and August? Did they ensure that the company was compliant? The cheeses from this company, which supplies almost all major retailers in France, should have been kept under particular scrutiny. Today, we are in firefighter mode: reacting when it is too late. This health scandal could have been avoided.”
Foodwatch said operators should be required to be transparent on their websites and social media. Currently, French consumers must visit the Rappel Conso site to find out about recalls.
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