Cheese products recalled in France due to listeria outbreak

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 08. 13. 09:04

French health authorities have identified 21 listeria cases, including two deaths, that could be “possibly linked” to the consumption of cheeses made from pasteurized milk by the Chavegrand cheese factory, which have been recalled, the health and agriculture ministries said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Investigations carried out by the health authorities (…) at the beginning of August identified epidemiological and microbiological elements establishing a possible link between the 21 cases of listeriosis – 18 of which have occurred since June – and the consumption of cheeses made from pasteurized milk produced by the Chavegrand company,” the statement said.

The cheeses affected, including camembert, cream cheeses and goat cheeses, were on sale throughout the country until August 9, 2025, mainly in supermarkets but also abroad.

The listeria cases affected people aged between 34 and 95.

According to the government website Rappel Conso, more than 40 types of cheese were recalled on Monday and Tuesday due to suspected contamination with the listeria bacteria.

“We ask those who have these products not to consume them,” the government warned. Those who have eaten the cheeses “and are suffering from fever, headache and muscle pain should see their doctor!” Pregnant women, people with immunodeficiencies and the elderly “should pay particular attention to these symptoms,” the warning reads.

Listeriosis, caused by food contaminated with the listeria bacteria, is accompanied by diarrhea, fever, vomiting and headache, and in the most severe cases, meningitis. The incubation period can be up to 90 days. The infection poses the greatest danger to people with weakened immune systems, including the sick, the elderly, pregnant mothers, and newborns.