Cases of listeriosis possibly linked to the consumption of pasteurized milk cheeses produced by Chavegrand
Santé publique France has released an update as of August 13, 2025, following several cases of listeriosis identified by health authorities.
Listeriosis
thematic dossier
Listeriosis is a foodborne infection caused by ingesting food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Although rare, it can be serious for those with weakened immune systems.
Update as of August 13, 2025
Health authorities have identified 21 cases of listeriosis caused by bacterial strains with similar genomic characteristics, including 18 cases since early June 2025.
The cases involve eleven women and ten men aged 34 to 95, 18 of whom are over 65.
Among these 21 individuals, three were taking long-term medications that may increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections, and all others had comorbidities known to be risk factors for listeriosis (cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or advanced age).
All cases were hospitalized for treatment of the following clinical presentations: 16 cases of bacteremia, 4 cases of meningeal disease, and 1 other invasive form.
Two deaths were reported.
The cases are distributed throughout the country with the exception of the Pays de la Loire and Corsica: 4 cases in Île-de-France, 3 in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 2 in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 2 in Centre-Val de Loire, 2 in Grand Est, 2 in Hauts-de-France, 2 in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 1 in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, 1 in Brittany, 1 in Normandy, and 1 in Occitanie
Epidemiological, microbiological, and traceability investigations conducted by Santé Publique France, the Pasteur Institute’s National Listeria Reference Center, and the Directorate General for Food led to the identification in early August of converging evidence establishing a possible link between this cluster of listeriosis cases and the consumption of pasteurized milk cheeses produced by the company Chavegrand (23).As a precaution, on August 9, 2025, the company, in coordination with health authorities, recalled all batches of cheese produced before June 23, 2025.
Learn more about the recall on the agriculture.gouv.fr website
Listeriosis, a rare but potentially serious illness
Listeriosis is a rare but potentially serious infection, usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.
This bacterium is frequently found in the environment and in certain foods, and exposure to it during one’s lifetime is common.
More than 80% of listeriosis cases occur in vulnerable individuals: people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, newborns, and people with compromised immune systems, particularly those with cancer, liver disease, transplant recipients, and dialysis patients. More rarely, apparently healthy individuals may be affected.
Epidemiological and Microbiological Surveillance of Listeriosis in France
Listeriosis has been a notifiable disease since 1998. Epidemiological
surveillance is conducted by Santé publique France through mandatory reporting, which allows for the collection of patients’ clinical characteristics, supplemented by an investigation into patients’ dietary habits carried out by the Regional Health Agencies (ARS) or their practitioners.
Microbiological surveillance is carried out by the National Reference Center (CNR) for Listeria, which characterizes the bacterial strains sent to it by the clinical laboratories that isolated them.
When the CNR identifies at least two strains—including at least one strain of human origin—with the same genomic characteristics, a cluster is opened and systematically investigated by Santé publique France to identify a common source of contamination and enable authorities to take appropriate management measures to protect the public. Similarly, any new strain that becomes part of an existing cluster triggers an investigation by Santé publique France, in collaboration with the Directorate General for Food (DGAL) and the CNR.
Cases of listeriosis have been on the rise in France since 2021
Between 1999 and 2020, the annual number of listeriosis cases fluctuated between 188 and 414 cases, with annual incidence rates ranging from 3.1 to 6.2 cases per million inhabitants.
Since 2021, the annual number of cases and the incidence of listeriosis have been steadily increasing: in 2024, 619 cases were reported, for an incidence of 9 cases per million inhabitants. This upward trend is observed in many other European countries. In France, this upward trend appears to be primarily linked to the aging population and the increase in age-related chronic diseases, which increase the risk of listeriosis.
Two peaks are observed each year: one at the beginning of the year following the holiday season (consumption of high-risk products) and a summer peak.
What should you do if you experience symptoms (clinical signs)?
People who have consumed pasteurized milk cheeses produced by Chavegrand and are experiencing a fever—whether on its own or accompanied by headaches and body aches—are advised to consult their doctor and inform them of this consumption.
For more information on the affected products, see the press release dated August 13, 2025
The risk of developing listeriosis can be reduced by following good food hygiene practices.
