Lidl listeria bacteria detected in cheese

Listeria Bacteria found in cheese: Belgian brand producer recalls several cheeses from the trade

12.05.2011

A Belgian cheese producer is recalling several cheeses from the trade. In some laboratory samples, the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes (genus Listeria) were detected, which can lead to listeriosis among others. Particularly at risk are pregnant women and chronically ill people. Already in early April, the North Rhine-Westphalia consumer ministry had warned of a Listeria contamination of the same cheese brand.

Listeria germs in cheese
A manufacturer from Belgium has recalled several cheeses from the trade. In some cheese samples dangerous bacteria of the genus Listeria monocytogenes were detected, as a spokesman for the food producer Belgomilk announced. For most consumers, the bacteria are rather harmless, in already ill and immunocompromised people, the germs could lead to diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Dangerous is a contamination especially in the last third of the pregnancy, because an infection can lead to premature or even stillbirths of the fetus.

From the recall action several cheeses are affected. One is the packaged slice cheese „St. Maarten Classic Großlochkäse, 200 g “. This was delivered to Lidl markets in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. Other cheeses like „Brugge Goud“, „Nazareth Classic“ and „Nazareth Light“ have been delivered to other chains nationwide. Anyone who has already purchased the cheese should not consume it but bring it back to the supermarket where the variety was bought. Even without presentation of a receipt, the purchase price will be refunded without hesitation, as the group Lidl announced.

The following cheeses should not be eaten, but brought back to date:
St. Maarten Classic - Belgian large-slice cheese in slices, 200g-pack, distributed by Lidl only in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia.

Cheese products at the service counter are affected nationwide:
Brugge Goud
Nazareth Classic
Nazareth Light
All varieties with the identification mark: BE-CO378A-EC

Treatment of Listeria monocytogenes infections is possible with various antibiotic drugs. However, medicines are only used if there are symptoms of a disease or if the patient belongs to a risk group. For precaution we recommend a hygienic storage and clean processing of food. Listeria is widely used in processing agriculture and can be used in food production. One transmission path is, for example, milking. (Sb)

Picture: Lidl