A cluster of 21 Listeria monocytogenes cases with two deaths have been identified in France. Most cases occurred between the beginning of June and mid-July 2025. Four other countries report one genetically identical listeriosis case each (Belgium, Denmark, the Netherland and Norway).
The suspected food products are pasteurised cow's and goat's milk cheese from France available on the national and European markets, and for international export. Products have been recalled from the market, but due to the long incubation period of listeriosis (usually until 4 weeks but could last up to 8 weeks) more cases might occur.
Contamination of pasteurised soft cheese is a rare event.
Prevention: respect usual rules of hygiene (e.g., good kitchen hygiene, hand hygiene, storage temperature of perishable food items).
People who are pregnant, 65 or older, or with serious pre-existing health conditions and/or a compromised immune system are at higher risk of complication of listeriosis. Given the long incubation time of listeriosis (usually until 28 days, but could last up to eight weeks), vulnerable people who are possibly affected should pay attention to signs like fever or severe headache and seek for medical advice without delay.