Cheese recall across France over listeria fears
Recall concerns cheese sold through supermarkets, shops and restaurants
Published
Modified
Several cheeses sold in France have been recalled in recent days because of a risk of contamination with listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium that causes listeriosis.
The recall affects cheese sold through supermarkets, shops and restaurants.
Consumers who have bought the following products should not consume them, even if it looks and smells normal.
Which cheeses have been recalled?
The latest recall, published on August 25, concerns Petit Brie 500g under the Chêne d'argent brand.
The affected product (GTIN: 4335619019461) has a use-by date of August 28, 2026. It was sold from August 10 to August 24.
It was sold in Lidl stores in the departments of Ain, Allier, Ardèche, Côte-d'Or, Doubs, Drôme, Isère, Jura, Loire, Haute-Loire, Nièvre, Puy-de-Dôme, Rhône, Haute-Saône, Saône-et-Loire and Yonne.
There are also several recalls involving Pâturages Comtois cheeses.
The affected products are:
Brie 3kg 60% (GTIN 3324040112422). It was sold at Intermarché throughout France between May 26 and August 11.
Merlemont coupe, approximately 1.4kg (GTIN 3324040112323). It was sold through restaurants and retail outlets throughout France.
Tomme Val de Saône, approximately 1.3kg (GTIN 3324040112453). It was also sold through restaurants and retail outlets throughout France.
Le Baron Brie 3kg 60% (GTIN 3324040001436). This product was sold to catering establishments in Réunion.
For the Pâturages Comtois products, the recalls are described as precautionary measures following the detection of Listeria in another batch made on the same day.
A further recall concerns Rond blanc and Rond cendré cheeses from La Ferme Painchaud, with a use-by date of August 31, 2026.
These cheeses were sold through E.Leclerc, Intermarché, Carrefour Market, Super U, Hyper U, restaurants and grocery shops.
What are listeriosis symptoms?
Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes. It is relatively uncommon but can be serious, particularly for certain groups of people.
Symptoms can include fever, headaches, muscle aches and digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
The reason health authorities, however, take the infection seriously is its long incubation period (up to eight weeks).
Pregnant women need to take particular care because listeriosis can cause complications affecting the pregnancy or unborn baby. Older people and people with weakened immune systems are also considered particularly vulnerable.
Anyone that has purchased any of the affected products should throw them away or return them for a refund.
If you have consumed any of the products contact a doctor if you have any symptoms.
