Food safety and traceability investigations launched by government agencies in connection with these cases led, on February 24, 2026, to suspicions regarding products marketed by the Drôme Ardèche Tradition facility located in Bourg de Péage (26). An inspection of the facility was ordered, and official samples were taken by the Drôme Departmental Directorate for Public Health. Based on the findings of the inspection, a prefectural order suspending operations was issued, and the company proceeded to withdraw and recall all products manufactured at the site, under the supervision of government agencies.

On March 10, analyses conducted by the National Reference Center (CNR) for Listeria at the Pasteur Institute confirmed the presence in a product from this facility of a strain of the bacterium genetically similar to those identified in the patients, thereby confirming the link between these cases and the consumption of the company’s products.

Health authorities remind the public that anyone in possession of these products should not consume them.

Health Recommendations

People who have the affected products are asked not to consume them. For up to 8 weeks after consumption, anyone who has consumed these products and develops a fever—whether on its own or accompanied by headaches and body aches—is advised to consult their primary care physician and inform them of this consumption. Severe cases with neurological complications and harm to the mother or fetus in pregnant women may also occasionally occur. Pregnant women, as well as immunocompromised individuals and the elderly, should be particularly vigilant for these symptoms.

What is listeriosis?

Listeriosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium is highly resistant in the external environment, and its optimal growth temperature ranges from 30 to 37°C. It is heat-sensitive and is destroyed after 30 minutes of cooking at 60°C. It is widely distributed in the environment. It is found in soil, water, plants, and many animal reservoirs. It can also be present in the home environment (household refrigerators and freezers) due to its ability to grow at low, even very low, temperatures.

For more information

• Listeriosis - Ministry of Health, Family, Autonomy, and People with Disabilities

• Update on cases of listeriosis linked to the consumption of ready-to-eat deli meats from the company Drôme Ardèche Tradition – Public Health France

• Listeriosis | Public Health France

• Listeriosis – Institut Pasteur

• Product recall – suspected presence of Listeria – Drôme Prefecture