Cross-Border Investigation Underway

A listeria outbreak traced to pasteurised soft cheeses produced by French manufacturer Chavegrand has resulted in 25 confirmed infections and two deaths, according to public health authorities. The majority of cases have occurred in France, but additional infections have been reported in several European countries, prompting a coordinated response by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and national health agencies.

Cheese Recall and Product Details

In response to the outbreak, Chavegrand has issued a recall of all cheese batches manufactured before June 23, 2025. Affected products—sold under multiple commercial labels—can be identified by the health mark FR 23.117.001. Authorities advise consumers to check packaging carefully and avoid consuming any recalled cheese.

Confirmed Cases Across Europe

Between December 2024 and June 2025, 21 severe cases and two fatalities were confirmed in France. An additional four cases were identified in Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway between April and July, with patients in each instance reporting prior consumption of pasteurised soft cheese. While investigations continue, available evidence suggests a likely link to the same product line.

About Listeriosis

Image Credit: Unsplash

Listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It typically presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhoea, which often resolve without intervention. However, in certain individuals—including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems—the infection can become severe, potentially leading to meningitis or bloodstream infections.

The ECDC has emphasised that such contamination is rare in pasteurised soft cheese and that the overall risk to healthy individuals remains low. Still, anyone who has consumed soft cheese and develops fever, severe headache, or other unusual symptoms is encouraged to seek medical attention, particularly if they belong to an at-risk group.

Ongoing Monitoring and Broader Context

Investigations led by Santé Publique France and the National Listeria Reference Centre of Institut Pasteur are ongoing to confirm the source and identify any additional risk factors. Authorities stress that contaminated products may not show signs of spoilage, and Listeria monocytogenes can persist in food, water, and soil environments.

In the UK, 179 listeriosis cases were recorded in England and Wales in 2024, with 28 non-pregnancy-associated deaths, including nine directly linked to the infection. The majority of UK cases involved vulnerable populations, and previous outbreaks were associated with various food items, including smoked fish, pre-packed sandwiches, and chocolate mousse.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States sees around 1,600 cases of listeriosis annually, underscoring its significance as a global public health concern.