Listeriosis: contaminated French cheeses worry Europe and the world

A case of contaminated cheeses reminds how a simple food can trigger an international health crisis. In France, 21 people were infected with the Listeria bacteria, two of whom died. And the authorities fear that the assessment will fall. But the alert is no longer limited to France. According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the epidemic has already crossed borders and incriminated cheeses have been sold in around thirty countries, from Europe to Asia to the United States.

Twenty-one confirmed cases in France, two deaths and exported products on several continents: listeriosis triggered by French cheeses takes on a global dimension.

Listeriosis: a national alert with 21 cases including 2 deaths

The health authorities report that 21 cases of listeriosis were confirmed in France between December 2024 and mid-July 2025, including two mortals. Patients, aged 34 to 95, have eleven women.

A traceability survey is underway to follow the path of contaminated lots and identify possible flaws in the production and distribution chain.

An alert at European level in four separate countries

But the case does not stop at French borders. Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway have each reported a case of listeriosis linked to the same strain as that identified in France, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). These infections were confirmed by genetic sequencing, proof that contamination circulates far beyond France. Local authorities have also started products and reinforced checks.

Towards a global alert: cheeses distributed in thirty countries

What worries the most is the extent of the distribution. The cheeses concerned have been exported to thirty countries, including Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, South Korea and Australia.
Even if there has been no reports for the moment, the risk remains well present, because listeriosis has long incubation – up to eight weeks – which is raising fears of the appearance of new patients.

New alerts possible: long incubation and serious risks according to Dr. Kierzek

Specialists warn that history is far from over. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor, insists on the danger of this infection: “Listeriosis is a rare but serious bacterial infection, which can cause sepsis, meningitis, or even a death“.

Regarding the symptoms, he specifies: “They may appear up to two months after ingestion of the contaminated food“. Some audiences must redouble their prudence:”Pregnant women, the elderly or immunocompromised should be particularly vigilant“.

There Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium at the origin of the listeriosisan infection that can be manifested by fever, headache and aches. In the most serious cases, it can cause neurological complications or serious attacks in pregnant women, with a risk for the fetus. Immunode-depressed people, newborns and seniors are also particularly vulnerable. The incubation period may reach eight weeks After ingestion of the contaminated product. Contamination of cheese with pasteurized milk is rare but can nevertheless occur due to the large presence of the Listeria Monocytogenes bacteria in the environment. Anyone presenting these symptoms after consumption is invited to consult a doctor quickly by mentioning this exposure.

Finally, the expert recalls that the best weapon remains vigilance on a daily basis: “Prevention remains the best weapon“.”Avoid foods at risk for fragile people (raw milk cheeses, cold meats, smoked fish, raw sprouted seeds), bake animal products and leftovers well, and regularly clean your fridge, because listeria resists cold“.