Two people die from listeria-tainted cheese in France, product also in Albania

Two people died from listeria-tainted cheese in France, the product also in Albania

NEWS

Express newspaper
23/08/2025 18:04

Most of the cases of infection have been reported in France, where 21 people are thought to have fallen ill after consuming dairy products contaminated with the bacteria between December 2024 and August 13 of this year. Of these, 18 cases have been identified since June alone and, sadly, two people have died.

Four other countries Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway have also confirmed four cases of listeriosis, recorded between April 14 and July 9. Patients in Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands have reported consuming pasteurized soft cheese before falling ill.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), investigators in France have traced the source of the outbreak to “a specific French cheese producer that produces pasteurized soft cheeses from cow and goat milk.”

However, the ECDC has not made the name of the manufacturer public, adding that the contaminated products may have been sold under different brand names.

These products have been distributed in around 30 countries, including the United Kingdom. Health authorities are continuing investigations to trace all possible cases, the ECDC reported.

Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, usually transmitted through food. While most healthy adults and children may only have mild symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea or diarrhea, in pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, the disease can be much more dangerous.

In more severe cases, listeriosis can lead to complications such as meningitis, sepsis and, in the case of pregnant women, miscarriages or stillbirths.

In France, patients affected by listeriosis were between the ages of 34 and 95, of whom 11 were women. In other countries, those affected were between the ages of 35 and 70.

“Contamination of pasteurized soft cheese is a rare event,” the ECDC said, stressing that the risk to healthy people is “very low.” According to it, most infected people experience only mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

However, people at higher risk – pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems – should pay attention to signs such as fever or severe headache and seek medical help without delay.

The ECDC announced that potentially contaminated products have been distributed to the following countries:

Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Czech Republic, Ivory Coast, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France (including French Polynesia), Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

The ECDC said the contaminated cheeses have been withdrawn from the market as a precautionary measure to protect consumers. The relevant food safety authorities are implementing official controls, including issuing public warnings.

A French company named Chavegrand has recalled all batches of cheese produced before June 23, 2025. The products are marketed under various brands and can be identified by the health mark FR 23.117.001.

“We have significantly increased the number of tests on products and equipment to ensure there is no contamination,” the company stated.

“All of our employees, who have been working hard since June, are shocked by this situation.”

A full list of affected cheeses in France can be consulted [here].

Listeriosis can occur up to 28 days after consuming the contaminated product. ECDC is calling on health authorities in all countries to remain alert for possible further cases.

For most people, listeriosis resolves on its own within a few days with rest and fluids. But for those at high risk, such as pregnant women or individuals with weakened immune systems, antibiotic treatment may be necessary.

This news comes after another deadly outbreak of listeriosis in Ireland, linked to ready meals sold in Aldi and Tesco chains.