Listeriosis from Soft Cheese Spreads in Europe – Cases in France, Belgium, Denmark, and Norway

The foodborne listeriosis infection is spreading in several European countries, reports the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), citing DPA data. Since December 2024, 21 cases have been registered in France, two of whom died after consuming soft cheese contaminated with the listeria bacteria.

Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have reported one genetically identical listeriosis case corresponding to the French cases. The infection is linked to pasteurized cow and goat cheese from France, available on the European market and for export.

In healthy people, the disease usually passes mildly with flu-like symptoms, vomiting or diarrhea, and often goes unnoticed. The product, originating from Chavegrand, has already been withdrawn from the market in France and abroad, with the company exporting cheese to 31 countries. The causes of the contamination have not yet been clarified.

"Due to the long incubation period of listeriosis, which is up to 28 days and sometimes up to eight weeks, ECDC recommends that vulnerable people – pregnant women, elderly and immunocompromised individuals – be alert for symptoms such as fever and headache and seek medical help if needed."