Cheese products in France are being withdrawn following two suspected fatal cases of listeria infection, known as listeriosis.
In France, a listeriosis outbreak has been reported, affecting 21 individuals and causing two deaths as of August 2025. The outbreak has been linked to the consumption of soft cheeses made from pasteurized cow’s and goat’s milk, including Camembert, Brie, Crémeux, and bûches, produced before June 23, 2025, by Chavegrand.
The cheese products in question were distributed nationally in France and exported to over 20 countries, including Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, the United States, Canada, the UK, Singapore, and Australia.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the outbreak, with Santé Publique France, the National Listeria Reference Centre at Institut Pasteur, the General Directorate of Food (DGAL), and the General Directorate of Health (DGS) involved. Epidemiological and microbiological data have established a strong link to Chavegrand’s soft pasteurized milk cheeses.
Chavegrand has since recalled all batches of implicated cheeses produced before June 23, 2025. Consumers are urged not to eat these cheeses and to monitor symptoms such as fever, headaches, and body aches if they have consumed them recently.
Listeriosis is a rare but serious infection caused by Listeria bacteria, which can contaminate even pasteurized products due to environmental presence. Symptoms may appear up to eight weeks after consumption and include fever, aches, chills, diarrhea, and in severe cases, life-threatening illness. Pregnant women, the elderly, infants, and immunocompromised individuals are especially at risk.
The statement regarding the listeriosis cases was released on Aug. 12 by Santpublique France and the Ministry of Agriculture. The Chavegrand dairy and cheese factory is located in Maison Feyne, central France.
Meanwhile, McDonald's has launched a new product, 'Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese' burger, in Korea. The new product launch is not related to the listeriosis cases in France, and the Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese is a burger, not cheese.
Authorities continue surveillance and recommend that anyone who has consumed these cheeses and experiences symptoms consult a healthcare provider promptly. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the potential risks associated with certain food products.
[1] Santé Publique France (2025). Listeriosis outbreak linked to Chavegrand cheese dairy products. [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). Listeriosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors. [3] European Food Safety Authority (2025). Listeriosis outbreak linked to Chavegrand cheese dairy products. [4] Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (2025). Listeriosis outbreak linked to Chavegrand cheese dairy products. [5] World Health Organization (2025). Listeriosis outbreak linked to Chavegrand cheese dairy products.
- Despite the listeriosis outbreak in France, the international food industry continues to evolve, with McDonald's launching a new burger in Korea, namely the Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese burger.
- The health-and-wellness sector is closely monitoring the situation, as individuals who have consumed Chavegrand's soft pasteurized milk cheeses produced before June 23, 2025, are at risk of developing listeriosis.
- The outbreak of listeriosis, linked to the consumption of certain French cheeses, has sparked investigations by various international bodies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the European Food Safety Authority, the Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain, and the World Health Organization.
- The food-and-drink industry faces scrutiny over the safety of its products, as the general news media report on the international spread of Chavegrand’s soft pasteurized milk cheeses, which were distributed in France and exported to several countries.
- In the field of science, this listeriosis outbreak serves as a reminder of the need for rigorous research and development in food safety, particularly in the production of soft cheeses made from pasteurized cow's and goat's milk.
