Listeria Outbreak Linked to Brie and Camembert Cheese - September 2022

Outbreak Investigation Summary

Data showed that cheese made by Old Europe Cheese, Inc. made people in this outbreak sick.

• Of the five people interviewed, four (80%) reported eating brie or camembert cheese.
• Most people did not remember the brand of the cheese they ate, but one person reported eating Lidl Premium Brand Brie. Old Europe Cheese was the only manufacturer of Lidl Premium Brand Brie.
• The outbreak strain of Listeria was found in the Old Europe Cheese facility.

Many brands of brie, camembert, and baked brie cheeses were recalled in September and October. These cheeses have best-by dates through December 14, 2022.

• September 30 recall: Old Europe Cheese brie and camembert recall
• October 4 recall: St Louis brie recall
• October 5 recall: Old Europe Cheese baked brie recall

What you should do

Check your freezer for recalled baked brie.

• If you have any, do not eat it. Throw it away.

Stay healthy and prevent Listeria:

• Find out if you are at higher risk for getting sick with Listeria.
• Learn which foods are more likely to contain Listeria, and take steps to prevent getting sick.
• Stay up to date on food recalls and outbreaks to avoid getting sick from eating contaminated food.

About Listeria

• Listeria is especially harmful to pregnant women, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. This is because Listeria is more likely to spread beyond their gut to other parts of their body, resulting in a severe condition known as invasive listeriosis.
  • For women who are pregnant, Listeria can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection in newborns.
  • For people who are 65 years or older or who have a weakened immune system, Listeria often results in hospitalization and sometimes death.
• Symptoms usually start within 2 weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after.
  
  • Pregnant women: Fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. Your illness may be mild, but Listeria can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth. It can also cause serious illness or death in newborns.
  • Other people may have: Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.
• For more information about Listeria, see About Listeria.

See also

• FDA: Outbreak Investigation of Listeria – Brie and Camembert Cheese
• FDA: Old Europe Cheese, Inc. Recalls Brie and Camembert Cheeses
• FDA: Swiss American Recalls St Louis Brie
• FDA: Old Europe Cheese, Inc. Expands Recall