A recent outbreak of listeria, linked to soft cheese from a French manufacturer, has resulted in 25 reported infections and two deaths. While France has borne the brunt of the outbreak with 21 serious cases, European health officials have issued warnings that the disease may have spread to the United Kingdom and potentially other countries.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has identified pasteurised soft cow's and goat's milk cheeses supplied by a company named Chavegrand as the suspected source of this listeria outbreak. In response, Chavegrand has initiated a recall of all cheese batches produced before June 23, 2025. Consumers are advised that these products were sold under various commercial brands and can be identified by the health mark FR 23.117.001. Officials believe the potentially contaminated products could have been distributed to approximately 30 countries, including Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the UK.

Confirmed cases in France, including the two fatalities, occurred between December 2024 and June 2025, with the majority surfacing since June this year. Beyond France, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have also recorded four confirmed cases between April and July. Patients who were infected in these countries reported consuming pasteurised soft cheese before experiencing illness. The patients affected in France, 11 of whom were women, ranged in age from 34 to 95.

Investigations into the outbreak are ongoing, led by Santé Publique France and the National Listeria Reference Centre of Institut Pasteur, to ascertain if any other sources could be implicated. The ECDC reassures the public that contamination of pasteurised soft cheese is a rare occurrence. For individuals in good general health, the overall risk of contracting listeriosis from this outbreak is considered very low.

However, due to the long incubation period of listeriosis, more vulnerable populations are urged to remain vigilant. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with immune deficiencies or underlying health conditions should promptly seek medical advice if they experience symptoms such as fever or severe headache. Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by the bacterium *Listeria monocytogenes*, typically contracted through contaminated food.

Symptoms of listeriosis often mimic the flu, including a high temperature, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. While symptoms usually improve within a few days for most, the infection poses a particular threat to the elderly, pregnant women, and babies. In rare instances, listeriosis can lead to life-threatening complications like meningitis. It is crucial to note that food contaminated with listeria may not appear or smell spoiled yet can still cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. The ECDC advises anyone who has consumed the implicated cheese and subsequently developed symptoms to contact their GP and inform them of possible listeria exposure.

Beyond soft cheeses, listeria can be harbored in many foods, commonly found in unpasteurised milk, and ready-to-eat products such as pre-packed salads and sandwiches. The bacterium is also widespread in the environment, present in raw food, soil, and the droppings of various mammals, birds, and fish. In England and Wales, a total of 179 listeriosis cases were reported in 2024, with 28 deaths among non-pregnancy associated cases. London recorded the highest infection levels, and seven outbreaks were investigated nationally, linked to diverse food items including smoked fish, chocolate and strawberry mousse, and pre-packed sandwiches. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately 1,600 people contract listeriosis annually.