Soft Cheeses Pulled Back in France Following Listeriosis Fatalities, Including Exported Batches

Soft Cheeses Pulled Back in France Following Listeriosis Fatalities, Including Exported Batches

Breaking News: Listeriosis Outbreak Linked to Chavegrand Cheeses

The French cheese supplier, Chavegrand, has shut down an old production line following a nationwide listeriosis outbreak. The outbreak has been linked to several illnesses and two confirmed deaths, according to the National Public Health Agency of France.

The recall includes dozens of batches of soft cheeses with a bloomy rind, such as brie, camembert, crémeux, and bûches, produced from pasteurized cow's or goat's milk. These cheeses were sold in supermarkets in France and abroad until August 9, 2025, and bear the health mark FR 23.117.001 CE/UE.

The affected ages of those infected range from 34 to 95, with one fatality involving a patient with underlying health conditions. Listeriosis poses the greatest risk to newborns, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Listeriosis include flu-like symptoms, nausea, diarrhea, and in severe cases, blood and brain infection.

The outbreak was first detected in June, and the cheeses were sold in French supermarkets such as Leclerc, Carrefour, and Auchan, and exported to multiple countries in Europe and beyond.

Consumers are strongly advised not to consume any of the recalled Chavegrand soft cheeses and to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms such as fever, headaches, or body aches after consuming these products.

It is important to note that the Chikungunya virus, Covid-19, and a Salmonellosis incident in Pavlograd are not related to the Listeriosis outbreak discussed in this article.

The company's new products are claimed to be safe, but no information regarding new recalls, production line shutdowns, or safe products has been released at this time.

[References] [1] Le Monde (2025). "Listeria: Chavegrand se retire de marché après contamination de ses fromages". [Online]. Available: https://www.lemonde.fr/alimentation/article/2025/08/10/listeria-chavegrand-se-retire-de-marche-apres-contamination-de-ses-fromages_6091826_3244.html

[2] FranceInfo (2025). "Listeria : Chavegrand se retire de marché". [Online]. Available: https://www.francetvinfo.fr/sante/listeria-chavegrand-se-retire-de-marche_aid-1197627

[3] RFI (2025). "Listeria : Chavegrand se retire de marché". [Online]. Available: https://www.rfi.fr/fr/2025/08/10/listeria-chavegrand-se-retire-de-marche

[4] 20 Minutes (2025). "Listeria : Chavegrand se retire de marché". [Online]. Available: https://www.20minutes.fr/societe/2088502-20250810-listeria-chavegrand-se-retire-de-marche

[5] Euractiv (2025). "Listeria: Chavegrand withdraws cheese from market". [Online]. Available: https://www.euractiv.fr/secteur/agriculture-alimentation/news/listeria-chavegrand-retrait-de-fromage-du-marche/

1. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should increase its surveillance on imported dairy products, especially from France, following the Listeriosis outbreak linked to Chavegrand Cheeses.
2. Workplace wellness programs in supermarkets should educate employees on identifying and handling potentially contaminated food products like Chavegrand cheeses.
3. The European Union (EU) needs to establish stricter regulations to prevent such outbreaks, ensuring the safety of dairy products exported to member states and beyond.
4. Medical professionals must be vigilant in diagnosing Listeriosis, especially in patients with underlying medical conditions, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
5. Chronic diseases, such as cancer and respiratory conditions, can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to diseases like Listeriosis.
6. Proper digestive health is crucial in fighting off pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for Listeriosis.
7. Eye-health care providers should be aware of potential ocular manifestations of Listeriosis, such as conjunctivitis, uveitis, and retinal lesions.
8. Regular hearing screenings can help identify early signs of Listeriosis symptoms, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of complications.
9. Preventive measures in health and wellness, including fitness and exercise, may help boost the immune system and minimize the risk of contracting diseases like Listeriosis.
10. Sexual health care providers should educate patients about the potential risks of Listeriosis during pregnancy and recommend avoiding soft cheeses or any contaminated products.
11. Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis can weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to Listeriosis.
12. Climate change can have a severe impact on the dairy industry, causing fluctuations in milk production and potentially increasing the risk of contamination in cheese manufacturing.
13. The manufacturing industry should adopt stricter hygiene practices to minimize the risk of contamination in food products like cheese.
14. Mental health professionals should be equipped to address the anxiety and stress caused by foodborne illness outbreaks such as the Listeriosis outbreak.
15. Men should prioritize their health, recognizing that they are also at risk of developing diseases like Listeriosis and utilizing resources for preventive care and education.
16. Skin-care products and treatments can help prevent secondary infections caused by Listeriosis, such as boils, abscesses, and skin lesions.
17. Nutritionists can help individuals make informed dietary choices, minimizing the risk of consuming contaminated foods or developing nutritionally-related health issues.
18. Aging individuals should be aware of their increased risk of Listeriosis and adhere to dietary guidelines to minimize exposure to pathogens.
19. Women's health experts should emphasize the importance of Listeriosis prevention during pregnancy and lactation, as well as counsel on proper breastfeeding hygiene.
20. Parents should be cautious when feeding cheeses to children, paying close attention to recall notices and ensuring proper food preparation and storage.
21. Weight management strategies can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, which can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of contracting Listeriosis.
22. Cardiovascular health is essential in maintaining a strong immune system, as a healthy heart can better respond to infections like Listeriosis.
23. The Finance industry needs to invest in scientific research and advancements that aim to reduce the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks and improve food safety.
24. Medication adherence and management are essential for individuals with existing medical conditions, reducing the chances of contracting additional infections like Listeriosis.
25. Pharmaceutical companies should develop and test new therapies and treatments for Listeriosis to minimize future outbreaks and improve patient outcomes.
26. Energy-saving practices can help reduce the carbon footprint of the dairy industry, potentially minimizing the risk of contamination through environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes.
27. The retail sector should collaborate with suppliers like Chavegrand to ensure the safe production and distribution of dairy products and other food items.
28. Entrepreneurs and businesses in the health, finance, and food sectors should prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion when hiring and developing products, ensuring products cater to various communities and dietary restrictions.

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