Here's what you need to know about potentially contaminated Brie and Camembert.
Cheese Sold at Aldi, Other Stores Recalled Over Listeria Risk
Published on Nov. 05, 2024
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has shared a recall from Savencia Cheese USA that affects several brands of soft ripened cheeses. Through routine testing, the company discovered that its processing equipment may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. In order to prevent the serious and sometimes fatal infections that may occur due to listeria, Savencia initiated this Camembert and Brie cheese recall.
Why is Savencia recalling its cheeses?
The equipment that Savencia uses to produce its soft cheeses was found to be contaminated with listeria, a bacteria that causes an illness that can be serious for pregnant women, people older than 65 and people with weakened immune systems, according to Mayo Clinic.
Soft cheeses are typically a food to avoid during pregnancy specifically because they can be contaminated with listeria. In pregnant women, a listeria infection is dangerous—it can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.
What products have been recalled?
Savencia says the products had limited regional distribution in the United States but did not specify which regions. Its Brie and Camembert were shipped to Aldi, Market Basket and other retailers.
The FDA shared a list of recalled cheeses, including:
- Aldi Emporium Selection Brie
- Supreme Oval Brie
- La Bonne Vie Brie
- La Bonne Vie Camembert
- Market Basket Brie
- Glenview Farms Spreadable Brie
To determine if your Brie or Camembert is part of this recall, check the list of product labels provided at the end of the recall announcement. Pay attention to the UPC and the best buy date on the product labels.
What should I do now?
The retailers that received the Brie and Camembert know about the contamination and will take affected products off shelves. If you have any of the recalled products at home, don’t eat them. Instead, bring the cheese back to the store for a full refund.
If you ate any of the products listed above and have symptoms of listeria poisoning like fever, headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, nausea or diarrhea, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
