Cheese products under emergency recall due to fatal contamination; these items were additionally available at Rewe stores
Breaking News: Urgent Cheese Recall in Germany Due to Listeria Contamination
A severe listeria outbreak has prompted a recall of several soft cheese varieties in Germany. The affected products include Camembert de caractère Vieux Porche, Camembert Charles VII, and Buchette de Chevre Vieux Porche, produced by the French company Fa. S.E. Chavegrand.
Listeria, a type of bacteria frequently found in food, can lead to severe infections, especially in newborns, pregnant women, the elderly, and sick people. Symptoms of a listeria infection include flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, and in severe cases, can lead to blood poisoning, brain, and meningitis.
The recall was issued due to two deaths in France linked to the affected cheese and potential listeriosis infections. The French Ministry of Agriculture has identified a possible link between the listeriosis cases and the consumption of pasteurized milk cheese from the company Chavegrand.
Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as a listeria infection can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths. Elderly individuals and immunocompromised persons also face a higher risk of severe illness involving bloodstream infection and meningitis.
The recalled cheese products have been removed from the market, and their minimum shelf life (MSL) ranges from 09.08.2025 to 29.08.2025 for Camembert de caractère Vieux Porche, and from 11.08.2025 to 25.08.2025 for Camembert Charles VII. The Buchette de Chevre Vieux Porche has a minimum shelf life of 13.08.2025 and 20.08.2025, with specific batch numbers.
Customers who have one of the affected products are advised not to consume it, and instead, destroy the cheese or return it to the point of sale where it was purchased. Customers who have already consumed the cheese and develop a fever should seek medical attention immediately.
Foodborne infections are among the most common human diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The listeriosis outbreak in France has resulted in several infections and deaths, with 21 cases reported since early June 2025.
This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. For now, it is crucial to be vigilant and follow the advice of health authorities to avoid potential contamination.
Consuming soft cheese products like Camembert de caractère Vieux Porche, Camembert Charles VII, and Buchette de Chevre Vieux Porche, which have been recalled due to listeria contamination, could pose a risk to your health and wellness, especially during pregnancy or for elderly individuals and immunocompromised persons. It's essential to prioritize science-backed practices, such as being vigilant about food-and-drink safety, to uphold a healthy lifestyle and prevent possible illness.
