Cheese products in France are voluntarily being withdrawn due to a food poisoning incident that has resulted in two fatalities.
Listeriosis Outbreak in France: A Public Health Concern
A listeriosis outbreak in France, linked to the consumption of soft cheeses produced by the Chavegrand company, has caused illness in 21 people and resulted in two deaths as of August 2025. The affected cheeses, which include Brie, Camembert, Crémeux, and bûches made from pasteurized cow’s or goat’s milk, were distributed nationally and internationally under multiple brand names.
The recalled cheeses can be identified by the health mark FR 23.117.001 CE/UE. Health authorities have advised that anyone who has consumed these cheeses and experiences symptoms such as fever, headache, or body aches should consult their doctor and inform them of their use.
Listeriosis symptoms typically include fever, aches and pains, chills, diarrhea, and headaches. While many people experience mild or no symptoms, the infection can cause severe, life-threatening illness in some cases, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, babies, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.
To prevent the spread of the infection, French health authorities have urged people not to eat the recalled cheeses and to monitor their health closely if they have eaten them recently. They have also recommended that vulnerable populations exercise particular caution with soft cheeses.
The outbreak is under investigation by French health agencies, including Santé Publique France and the National Listeria Reference Centre at the Pasteur Institute, with international alerts in several European countries where the cheeses were exported. It's unusual for listeria to be found in pasteurised cheeses, but it is possible because listeria is so widespread in the environment.
While no related information is provided about the botulism outbreaks in Italy mentioned in the context, it's important to note that listeriosis is a rare infection that people usually get by eating food contaminated with the bacteria listeria. It's crucial for everyone, especially those in vulnerable populations, to be aware of the risks associated with consuming contaminated food and to follow the advice of health authorities regarding recalls and food safety.
The outbreak of listeriosis in France, resulting from consuming soft cheeses, has escalated to affect 21 people and resulted in two deaths. In light of this, it's essential for people to be aware of listeriosis symptoms such as fever, body aches, diarrhea, and headaches, particularly those in vulnerable populations. To prevent the spread of the infection, the French health authorities have urged people to avoid the recalled cheeses, monitor their health, and exercise caution with soft cheeses, especially those in vulnerable groups. Furthermore, it's vital to remember that listeriosis is a rare infection transmitted mainly through eating food contaminated with the bacteria listeria.
