French supermarket giant Carrefour is recalling an own-brand mozzarella cheese product following fears that some items may be infected with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. 

Carrefour is asking its customers to check their fridge for pots of its own-brand mozzarella after a health alert was issued on 17th August. The concern is the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for listeriosis, in one lot of products sold across stores in France. 

The product in question is the Carrefour Extra brand 120g Mozzarella Di Bufala Campana PDO Mini pot. The specific lot is number L199. It has an expiry date of 17th August. The supermarket has said people who have purchased this product should not consume it and should return it to a Carrefour near them as soon as possible for a refund.  

If it has already been eaten, health monitoring is in order. Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. See a doctor if these indicators arise.  

WHAT IS IT? 

Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by ingesting food contaminated with the bacteria, and affects about 1,600 people each year, of which some 260 die. It is most likely to impact people over 65, those with weakened immunity, newborns and pregnant women.  

“Severe forms, with neurological complications and maternal or foetal damage in pregnant women, can also sometimes occur,” say health authorities. “Pregnant women, as well as immunocompromised people and the elderly, should be particularly attentive to these symptoms. Listeriosis is a disease which can be serious and whose incubation period can be up to eight weeks.”  

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Photo source: Benjamin Brunner, Unsplash