Listeria epidemic in France, prompting widespread cheese withdrawal
In France, an outbreak of listeriosis, a serious infection and the second leading cause of death from food poisoning, has been linked to soft cheeses made from pasteurized cow’s and goat’s milk produced by Chavegrand. 21 people have been infected and two have died in the outbreak, with cases ranging in age from 34 to 95 years old.
The epidemiological and microbiological investigations carried out by Santé Publique France and the Ministry of Agriculture have revealed "converging evidence" linking the outbreak to Chavegrand’s pasteurised milk cheeses. The affected cheeses were sold nationwide until 9 August and reached international markets, with confirmed cases reported in Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway.
Chavegrand, in coordination with French health authorities, has recalled all batches of cheese produced before June 23, 2025. The recalled cheeses can be identified by the health mark FR 23.117.001 CE/UE and include products sold under nearly 40 different brand names.
The outbreak has raised questions about the delay in the recall of affected cheese batches, with Foodwatch, a consumer rights group, calling for a full investigation to determine when listeria was first detected, how long it persisted, and on which products. Delayed action, according to Foodwatch, risks eroding public trust between manufacturers and consumers.
Camille Dorioz, Foodwatch’s campaign director, states that recalls should not wait for people to get sick before being issued. Foodwatch suggests that France’s recall system places too much responsibility on producers to monitor themselves and notify authorities.
Health officials emphasize that listeriosis symptoms can appear up to eight weeks after consumption and advise anyone who has eaten the recalled cheeses to monitor for symptoms such as fever, aches, and chills and to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms occur. Pregnant women, older people, and those with weakened immune systems are being told to remain especially vigilant.
Investigations are being conducted by Santé Publique France, the National Listeria Reference Centre at the Pasteur Institute, and other French agencies, confirming the epidemiological and microbiological link between the outbreak and Chavegrand cheeses. Authorities have issued strong warnings not to consume any products from the recalled batches to prevent further cases.
[1] Rappel Conso website [2] Foodwatch report [3] Santé Publique France [4] Ministry of Agriculture [5] European Food Safety Authority
