Singapore Recalls French Cheeses Over Listeria Contamination Risk

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has issued a recall for three types of French cheeses following concerns about potential listeria contamination. The affected products include Vieux Porche Camembert De Caractere, Royal Faucon Camembert De Caractere, and Vieux Porche Buchette, with imports managed by Classic Fine Foods and Culina. This precautionary measure comes in response to a recent outbreak of listeriosis that has affected individuals in France.

According to health authorities, listeria is a foodborne bacterium that can lead to serious health issues, particularly for vulnerable groups such as newborns, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea.

Recall Details and Health Advisories

The recall was first announced on August 13, 2023, starting with the Vieux Porche Buchette, affecting all batches with a best before date of up to August 20, 2025. The SFA expanded the recall the following day to include Vieux Porche Camembert De Caractere, which has a best before date of up to August 30, 2025, and Royal Faucon Camembert De Caractere, with a best before date of August 17, 2023.

The SFA advises consumers who have purchased these products not to consume them. “Those who have consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice,” the agency stated. Consumers are also encouraged to reach out to their point of purchase for any inquiries.

Soft cheeses, particularly those ripened by mold, are known to carry a heightened risk of listeria contamination. Other foods that pose similar risks include unpasteurized dairy products, refrigerated meat spreads, and ready-to-eat deli meats.

Connection to French Outbreak

This recall in Singapore follows a wider precaution taken in France, where several brands of camembert, brie, and other soft cheeses were recalled after two deaths linked to listeriosis and multiple illnesses were reported. The French health ministry confirmed a potential connection between the listeriosis cases and cheese produced by Chavegrand, a company that manufactures cheese for various supermarket chains in France. Some of these products are also available internationally under different brand names.

Chavegrand has stated that it has closed an old production line associated with the suspected contaminated cheeses. As investigations continue, health officials emphasize the importance of food safety and consumer awareness regarding potential health risks associated with certain food products.

While the situation develops, authorities will remain vigilant in monitoring food safety and ensuring that consumers are protected from potential health hazards. The SFA continues to collaborate with international partners to manage the implications of this contamination risk effectively.