French investigators are working to trace the source of a deadly listeria outbreak as pressure mounts over delays in recalling contaminated cheese.
Health authorities say 21 people have been infected and two have died, with tests pointing to a well-known cheese producer in central France.
The Chavegrand dairy, based in the Creuse department in central France and famed for its Camembert, creamy cheeses and goat’s cheese, has recalled more than 40 batches of pasteurised cheese after tests suggested a link to the contamination.
According to national health agency Santé Publique France and the Ministry of Agriculture, epidemiological and microbiological investigations carried out in early August revealed “converging evidence” linking the outbreak to Chavegrand’s pasteurised milk cheeses.
Of the 21 confirmed cases, 18 have been reported since June, with patients aged between 34 and 95.
The affected cheeses were sold nationwide until 9 August, particularly through supermarkets, and even reached international markets.
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What is listeriosis?
Anyone who has consumed these cheeses and develops a fever – with or without headaches and muscle aches – has been urged to seek medical advice immediately.
Pregnant women, older people and those with weakened immune systems are being told to remain especially vigilant.
Listeriosis, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, is a serious infection and the second leading cause of death from food poisoning in France, killing several dozen people each year. Its long incubation period – sometimes up to eight weeks – makes tracing the source challenging.
Chavegrand expressed its shock at the findings, offering condolences to the victims’ families.
The company said the recalled cheeses had been made on an older production line, shut down in early June and replaced with a new one, which has since undergone “very rigorous” testing without finding traces of listeria.
“We have increased the number of tests on products and equipment a hundredfold to ensure there are no contaminants,” a spokesperson said, describing the case as “extremely rare” in the business’s 73-year history.
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Consumer group slams recall delays
But consumer rights group Foodwatch says the reaction has come far too late. “We wait until people get sick before issuing recalls – it’s always too late,” said Camille Dorioz, the group’s campaign director.
Foodwatch points out that Chavegrand had already recalled certain products in June after a suspected contamination, and argues the dairy should have acted sooner to prevent further harm.
The association is calling for a full investigation to establish when listeria was first detected, how long it persisted, and on which products. It warns that delayed action risks eroding public trust between manufacturers and consumers.
Foodwatch also says France’s recall system leaves too much responsibility to producers to monitor themselves and notify authorities.
While consumers can check the government’s Rappel Conso website, Dorioz says recalls should be communicated more proactively and backed up by stronger penalties for slow reporting.
The scale of the Chavegrand recall has already prompted questions about whether coordinated action could be needed to prevent further cases beyond French borders.
(with newswires)
