72 cases of salmonellosis identified by Public Health France, some in Occitanie: Le Chasteau farmhouse cheeses recalled

Cheeses that visually resemble Saint-Nectaire, but do not have the protected designation of origin (illustration). Unsplash – Alexander Maasch

72 cases of Salmonellosis have been identified by Public Health and have been linked to the consumption of farmhouse cheeses of the Le Chasteau brand, produced in Cantal, according to a press release from the authorities.

The Pasteur Institute and Public Health France have identified 72 cases of salmonellosis with similar characteristics, between the end of July and the beginning of August 2024, indicates a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture published this Wednesday.

The majority of these cases are mild and are linked to the consumption between early March and early August 2024 of Le Chasteau farmhouse cheeses produced in Cantal by the GAEC Deflisque (cheeses visually resembling Saint-Nectaire, but not having the protected designation of origin) and sold in particular on markets in Puy-de-Dôme (Besse Saint Anastaise, La Bourboule, Mont-Dore, Aubière, Giat).

Plus Half of them were identified in Puy-de-Dôme, Corrèze and Creuse, but also in the regions of Nouvelle Aquitaine, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Centre-Val de Loire, Pays de la Loire, Brittany, Grand-Est and Occitanie.

Measures implemented

The checks carried out by the Departmental Directorate in charge of protecting the populations of Cantal led to the emergency closure of the cheese factory and the consignment of all cheeses on site on July 23. Samples confirmed the contamination of the cheeses on August 1, which justified immediate withdrawal and recall measures from consumers.

A recall measure was published on the Rappelconso website only from August 7. This recall concerns all Le Chasteau farmhouse cheeses from GAEC Deflisque, all batches, all use-by dates (UBD), marketed from March 2024.

Symptoms and actions to take

Foodborne illness caused by salmonella results in gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, vomiting) with a sudden onset, often accompanied by fever and headaches that generally occur 6 to 72 hours after consuming a contaminated product. These symptoms may be more pronounced in young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals and the elderly.

People who have consumed this product and who present these symptoms are invited to consult their doctor and report this consumption. In the absence of symptoms within 7 days after consuming the product in question, there is no need to worry and consult a doctor, the press release states.

If you have this product (fresh or frozen), do not consume it and destroy it. If you wish, you can return it to the point of sale for destruction.