Savencia Cheese Issues Recall of Brie Products Over Listeria Concerns

Savencia Cheese USA issued a nationwide recall of six varieties of its Brie and Camembert cheeses on Tuesday, November 5th, over possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The products, sold at stores including Aldi, Market Basket, and Whole Foods, were manufactured at Savencia’s facility in Lena, Illinois, where routine testing detected the bacteria on processing equipment. Although the contamination was not found directly on the cheese products, the recall was initiated out of caution to protect consumer safety.

0The recalled products are marked with a best-by date of December 24, 2024, and distributed across states such as Texas, California, Massachusetts, and Indiana, among others. Affected cheeses include Emporium Selection Brie, Supreme Oval Brie, La Bonne Vie Brie, La Bonne Vie Camembert, Industrial Brie, and Market Basket Brie. Consumers can verify affected products by checking the best-by dates and UPC codes on the packaging, as outlined by the FDA. Customers who purchased these products are advised not to consume them; instead, they should discard the products or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious health issues, particularly in high-risk groups, including older adults, pregnant individuals, children, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis symptoms can range from mild gastrointestinal distress to severe complications, such as fever, headache, muscle stiffness, and, in severe cases, convulsions. For pregnant individuals, infection can lead to life-threatening outcomes, such as miscarriage or stillbirth. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that Listeria affects approximately 1,600 people annually in the U.S., leading to 260 deaths.

Savencia Cheese USA is working with retail partners to ensure all impacted products are removed from store shelves and has set up a customer support line for inquiries related to the recall. The company emphasized that no illnesses have been reported thus far and that the recall is a proactive step to ensure consumer protection. Consumers with questions or concerns can contact Savencia Cheese USA’s customer service at (800)-322-2743.

The recall highlights ongoing challenges in food safety within the dairy industry, as Listeria is known to survive in cold environments, making it especially concerning for refrigerated products. The FDA and USDA recommend that consumers practice caution with refrigerated dairy products, particularly if they fall into high-risk groups. Both agencies continue to monitor food safety standards to prevent such incidents and protect public health.