France has recalled several batches of camembert, brie and other soft cheeses after two people died from listeriosis and several others fell ill.
The health ministry said dairy company Chavegrand is withdrawing dozens of soft-rind cheeses following a possible link between the infections and its products. The affected cheeses, made from pasteurised cow’s or goat’s milk, were sold nationwide and internationally under various brands until August 9.
Chavegrand, which supplies supermarket chains including Leclerc, Carrefour and Auchan, said the old production line where the suspect cheeses were made has been shut down. “We were shocked to hear about these two dramas and we are working hard to make sure our production lines are safe,” spokesman Guillaume Albert told Reuters.
Listeriosis, caused by listeria bacteria, can lead to flu-like symptoms, nausea, diarrhoea and severe infections, particularly in newborns, the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immunity.
The ministry said the infected patients were aged 34 to 95, with one victim having underlying health conditions. The first cases emerged in June.