While we are only a few days away from Christmas, one of the star products of the end-of-year festive meals is affected by a product recall and calls for vigilance, due to contamination by Listeria bacteria.
- Listeriosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes which is mainly transmitted through food.
- It can sometimes be serious and the incubation period can be up to eight weeks. To treat it, antibiotics are prescribed to patients.
- Each year, approximately 300 cases of listeriosis are recorded in France and numerous product recalls are triggered to prevent it.
The government website Drink reminderwhich provides information on products sold that may be defective or dangerous to health, has identified certain batches of foodstuffs – essential foods for the Christmas Eve meal – which could present health risks.
Several batches of capon recalled for bacterial contamination
Several batches of capon are affected by a product recall, for a risk of contamination with Listeria bacteria, the cause of listeriosis. Initially, these are batches of 2.5 kg of sautéed capon, from the Le Gaulois Professionnel brand, marketed by Métro, Guillot-Cobreda or Palmidor. Three lots were removed from the shelves: 0362011368 (use-by date set at 14/12/2022), 0362011538 and 0362011291 (DLC: 10/12/2022).
Capon legs are also recalled (lots 0362011290, 0362011369 and batch 0362011292) including some halal (batch 0362011290). They were marketed by Maison Farret, Rampal, Guillot-Cobreda and Metro.
Listeriosis, a disease that can lead to serious forms
Due to the risk of contamination, it is recommended not to consume these products and to bring them back to the store. Buyers will be eligible for a refund.
People who have already consumed these products and who have fever, with or without headaches, and body aches, are invited to consult their doctor and report this consumption, indicates Rappel Conso. Listeriosis can also cause digestive disorders (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting). In some cases, the disease can lead to severe forms. Pregnant women as well as immunocompromised people and the elderly should be especially alert to these symptoms. These present “a ground allowing the bacterium to develop more easily”, reminds the National Food Safety Agency (Anses).
Other flagship Christmas meal products affected by a product recall
Other foodstuffs often present on Christmas tables are also the subject of a product recall, for various causes. A lot of cooked ham (lot 33648) and Burgundy parsley ham (lot 33348) of the Père Anselme brand for Listeria contamination. Of smoked tuna of the Thiriez Selection brand for contamination by Listeria (lots: 22110409, 22112509, 22112509, 22110409). Of whole duck foie gras of the Feyel brand for labeling anomaly (no health risk: batch A314). And smoked salmon (Highlands of Scotland 300g from the Petit Navire brand, batch: 10352143280) for labeling anomaly. All these products can be refunded or exchanged if returned to the store.
Last week, as we reported, several batches of cheeses, ham and prawns had also been recalled for contamination by Listeria.
