These cheeses sold in several retail chains are withdrawn from the market. The first analyzes are the link with the bacterium Escherichia coli.
Vomiting, diarrhea … 13 cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) due to Escherichia coli O26 infection have occurred in young children since 21 March 2019 in several regions.
Cheeses made in the Drôme
Among these children, three would have a possible link with the consumption of cheeses Saint Félicien and Saint Marcellin manufactured by Fromagerie Alpine in Romans-sur-Isère (Drôme), indicates the Ministry of Health and Solidarity in a statement.
“Health authorities have undertaken the necessary investigations to identify the source of food contamination at the origin of these cases and to protect consumers.”
Precautionary measure
As a precaution, the health authorities decided to proceed Saturday 27th April with the withdrawal of the market of the products concerned and to make a recall with the consumers.
According to the preliminary results of the investigations, “many of these children have consumed Saint-Félicien and Saint Marcellin cheeses before the onset of their symptoms,” says the alert.
People who have consumed the products concerned and have symptoms are advised to consult their doctor as soon as possible, mentioning this consumption and the possible link with the bacterium Escherichia coli.
[⚠Alerte sanitaire] Retrait et rappel de fromages Saint-Félicien et Saint Marcellin, fabriqués par la Société Fromagerie Alpine à Romans-sur-Isère, en lien possible avec des cas d’infection sévère à Escherichia coli.
🗞 Lire le communiqué : https://t.co/2LzwOsI41M pic.twitter.com/tZshptpsdV
— Ministère des Solidarités et de la Santé (@MinSoliSante) April 27, 2019
The lot concerned
- Sanitary mark (stamp): FR 26 181 001 CE
- Denomination of the products: SAINT-FELICIEN and SAINT MARCELLIN
- Presentation: 180g whole cheese (Saint-Félicien) 80g (Saint Marcellin)
- Lots: all lots from l 032 to l 116
- Trademarks: FROMAGERIE ALPINE, CARREFOUR, REFLECTION OF FRANCE, LECLERC, LIDL, AUCHAN, ROCHAMBEAU, PRINCE OF WOODS, SONNAILLES AND PREALPIN
- Distribution: France whole
Generally speaking, “raw milk and cheese made from raw milk should not be eaten by young children”, the health authorities remind:
“You should prefer cooked pressed cheese (Emmental type, Comté cheese, etc.), processed cheese and pasteurized cheese. The same recommendation should be followed for pregnant women, immunocompromised persons and the elderly.”
Practical information: Fromagerie Alpine has set up a phone number, 04 75 70 01 01.
