Overview

• Santé publique France and the Agriculture Ministry linked 21 listeriosis cases, including two deaths and predominantly affecting adults over 65, to pasteurised-milk cheeses from Chavegrand across France.
• Investigations found convergent epidemiological evidence and near-identical Listeria DNA profiles between patient isolates and the first contaminated cheese, though no contamination source has been located inside the facility since mid-June.
• More than 40 lots of Camembert, Crémeux and goat cheeses sold nationally and internationally were recalled from August 9 after the suspected link was established.
• Chavegrand closed its old production line in early June, scaled up internal testing by a hundredfold on its new line and says current products undergo daily microbial controls.
• The Association for Children’s Health filed a judicial signalment with the Paris public prosecutor, demanding a full inquiry into suspected negligence in Chavegrand’s recall of affected cheeses.