Health authorities have initiated the recall of several cheeses made from raw milk manufactured by Route des Terroirs following the detection of contamination by Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli) in a nursery, according to a press release published Thursday.
Six cases of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) due to this bacteria were detected in early November in Toulouse, affected children no longer cause concern, explains the document. This syndrome can result in kidney failure and is particularly dangerous for children and the elderly.
An investigation identified “converging epidemiological, microbiological and traceability elements, making the link between at least part of these cases of HUS and morbier cheeses produced by the company Route des Terroirs”, adds the press release. The authorities cannot “at this stage exclude other sources of contamination”.
26 types of recalled products
The producer of these cheeses has initiated the withdrawal and recall of certain of its raw milk products: morbier, tomme and raclette, manufactured until October 11, 2023 in a factory in Jura. The health approval of this site has been suspended and it can no longer produce until this suspension has been lifted.
In total, 26 types of products, under various brands and forms, are mentioned on the government website “Consumer reminder” warning regarding dangerous products in circulation.
New products “are likely to be added in the next few days because these cheeses are large pieces which might have been cut, sliced, assembled by other companies further downstream in the marketing chains”specified the Ministry of Agriculture.
Health authorities are asking people who have them not to consume them.
Two children died from HUS and dozens of others became seriously ill following ingesting pizzas from Buitoni’s Fraîch’Up range in 2022, manufactured in its factory in Caudry (North).
To behave
People who experience diarrhea, abdominal pain or vomiting within 3-4 days following consuming these products (15 days maximum) are invited to quickly consult their doctor, notifying them of this consumption and the recall of the products. by the company.
If there are no symptoms within 15 days following consuming the products concerned, there is no need to worry and consult a doctor.
Please note, however, that cheeses consumed following prolonged cooking (for example, morbier gratin, etc.) do not pose a risk to consumers.
In general, health authorities point out that, as a precaution, raw milk and cheeses made from raw milk should not be consumed by young children, particularly those under 5 years old. You should prefer cooked pressed cheeses (such as Emmental, Comté, etc.), processed spreadable cheeses and pasteurized milk cheeses.
The same recommendation applies to pregnant women and immunocompromised people.
