Sciensano Confirms First Listeria Contamination in Belgium Linked to French Cheeses

Cheese Recall Expands In Belgium Following Listeria Concerns

February 29, 2024

A Cheese Recall initiated by Colruyt in collaboration with the Belgian food safety agency, AFSCA, may broaden beyond the initial two recalled products. The French cheese dairy, Chavegrand, supplies a significant portion of its cheeses as distributor brands, complicating the scope of the recall. This means many cheeses sold under different supermarket labels could be affected.

Chavegrand markets approximately 50% of its cheese production as private label products.As a notable example, Colruyt’s “Camembert Everyday” is a product sourced from this dairy. The company also sells cheeses unpackaged, allowing retailers to apply their own branding.

AFSCA is urging consumers to return any possibly affected cheeses to the store where they were purchased. The agency is working closely with French authorities through the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (Rasff) to identify all impacted products.Cora,Carrefour,Match,lidl,and Intermarché are among the retailers that carry Chavegrand products in belgium,but the list may not be complete.

Currently, AFSCA advises heightened vigilance, notably for individuals who have recently traveled to france. Listeria monocytogenes infection poses a serious risk to young children, pregnant women, individuals with compromised immune systems, and the elderly.

Understanding Listeria And Food Safety

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection, known as listeriosis. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, it can lead to hospitalization and even death. Proper food handling and storage are crucial to prevent listeriosis.

Food recalls are a vital part of ensuring public safety. Agencies like AFSCA and Rasff work diligently to identify and remove contaminated products from the market. Consumers play a key role by staying informed and following recall instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Cheese Recall

• What is Listeria and why is it risky? Listeria is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection, especially dangerous for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and the elderly.
• Which cheeses are affected by the recall? Initially, two cheeses from Colruyt were recalled, but the scope may expand due to Chavegrand’s distributor brand arrangements.
• What should I do if I purchased a potentially affected cheese? Consumers should return the cheese to the point of sale where it was purchased.
• Where can I find more information about the recall? Contact AFSCA at 0800/13,550 or [email protected], or Colruyt customer service at 0800/99.124.
• Is the recall limited to Colruyt stores? No, cheeses sold at Cora, Carrefour, Match, Lidl, and Intermarché may also be affected.
• What are the symptoms of a Listeria infection? Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. Seek medical attention if you experience these.
• How can I protect myself from Listeria? Proper food handling, thorough cooking, and careful storage are essential to prevent Listeria infection.

Disclaimer: This article provides information about a food recall and related health concerns. It is not intended as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for any health-related questions or concerns.

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What are the specific symptoms of invasive listeriosis, and why is this infection notably risky for pregnant women?

What You Need to Know about the Listeria Outbreak

On August 13, 2025, Sciensano, Belgium’s national public health institute, confirmed the first cases of Listeria monocytogenes contamination linked to the consumption of certain French cheeses. this outbreak has prompted immediate health warnings and recall efforts to protect consumers. This article provides a detailed overview of the situation, affected products, symptoms, prevention measures, and ongoing investigations. We’ll cover everything from Listeria infection risks to food safety best practices.

Identifying the source: French Cheese and the Outbreak

The initial investigation by Sciensano pinpointed several french cheeses as the source of the listeria contamination. While the specific cheese varieties are being continuously updated, current reports indicate the following are possibly affected:

Soft Cheeses: Brie, Camembert, and other soft, unpasteurized cheeses are considered high-risk.

Specific Brands: (Note: Brand lists are evolving. Refer to official Sciensano and food safety authority updates for the most current information – links provided at the end of this article).

Production Regions: cheeses originating from specific regions in France are under scrutiny.

The contamination is believed to stem from the production process, potentially involving inadequate hygiene standards or issues with pasteurization. foodborne illness outbreaks like this highlight the importance of rigorous quality control in the dairy industry.

Understanding Listeriosis: Symptoms and Risks

Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.It’s particularly dangerous for certain populations.

symptoms of Listeriosis

Symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the infection.

Mild Symptoms (Gastrointestinal): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps. These typically appear within a few days of consuming contaminated food.

Severe Symptoms (Invasive Listeriosis): Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions. These indicate the bacteria has spread beyond the gut.

Pregnant Women: Listeriosis in pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

Newborns, Elderly, and Immunocompromised Individuals: These groups are at higher risk of developing severe, invasive listeriosis.

Who is Most Vulnerable?

Pregnant women: Even mild cases can have severe consequences.

Newborns: Thier immune systems are not fully developed.

Individuals with weakened immune systems: Those undergoing chemotherapy, with HIV/AIDS, or taking immunosuppressant drugs.

Elderly individuals (65+): Immune function declines with age.

Immediate Actions: Recalls and Consumer Advice

Several retailers in Belgium have initiated recalls of potentially contaminated french cheeses.

Check Your Fridge: Instantly check your refrigerator for any of the recalled cheese products.

Do Not Consume: If you have any of the recalled cheeses, do not consume them. Dispose of them properly.

Thorough Cleaning: Thoroughly clean any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the contaminated cheese. Use hot, soapy water and a disinfectant.

Report Illness: If you experience symptoms of listeriosis, especially if you are in a high-risk group, consult a doctor immediately and inform them of potential exposure to the contaminated cheese.Food poisoning symptoms should always be taken seriously.

Prevention: Protecting Yourself from Listeria

Preventing Listeria contamination requires vigilance at both the production and consumer levels.

Pasteurization: Choose pasteurized dairy products whenever possible. Pasteurization kills Listeria and other harmful bacteria.

Proper Food Handling:

Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling food.

Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods.

Cook foods to safe internal temperatures.

Refrigeration: Store perishable foods promptly and at the correct temperature (below 4°C / 40°F).

Shelf Life: Pay attention to “use-by” dates and discard expired products.

High-Risk Groups: Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals should be particularly cautious and avoid consuming soft, unpasteurized cheeses.

Sciensano’s Ongoing Investigation

Sciensano is working closely with French authorities and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to investigate the source of the contamination and prevent further cases.

Traceability: Efforts are underway to trace the contaminated cheese back to its origin and identify any potential breaches in food safety protocols.

* Testing: Increased testing of cheese