Listeria Found in Camembert Cheese Prompts Recall in Israel

An imported Camembert cheese has been recalled in Israel by the company "Mahlelot Gad" and the Ministry of Health after the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes was detected in the product. The affected cheese is a 130-gram package of 33% fat Camembert with white mold, a best-by date of September 7, 2026, and batch number BFBN. Consumers are urged not to eat the cheese, and the company is removing it from sale in coordination with food safety authorities.

Listeriosis, the disease caused by Listeria, is considered one of the most dangerous foodborne infections due to high hospitalization and mortality rates. A particularly concerning characteristic of Listeria is its ability to survive and multiply at refrigerator temperatures and in salty conditions, making it a persistent threat in food production environments. The bacteria can remain viable in refrigerators, salty environments, and industrial cooling systems.

Dr. Roi Zucker, an infectious disease specialist, explained that while healthy individuals may experience mild symptoms or none at all, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and central nervous system, leading to invasive listeriosis, which can manifest as sepsis or meningitis. This invasive form has a high mortality rate, with some sources citing 20% to 30% fatality among infected individuals, and over 90% of cases requiring hospitalization.

Pregnant women are at a particularly high risk, as the infection can cause severe harm to the fetus, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and neonatal sepsis or meningitis, even if the mother experiences only mild flu-like symptoms. Other high-risk groups include newborns, the elderly (over 65), and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, transplant recipients, and diabetics.

A critical aspect of listeriosis is its long incubation period, which can range from 3 to 70 days, with an average of three weeks. Symptoms, often resembling the flu (fever, muscle aches, weakness), may not appear for weeks after consumption. If the bacteria affect the nervous system, symptoms can include severe headache, confusion, and loss of balance. Individuals experiencing such symptoms after potential exposure are advised to seek medical attention, especially those in high-risk groups, and to inform their doctor about their contact with the suspect product.

Preventative measures include avoiding dairy products from unpasteurized milk, thoroughly washing produce, maintaining strict separation between raw and cooked foods, and proper refrigeration of cooked foods. For high-risk groups, thorough cooking of animal products to at least 72 degrees Celsius and avoiding cold-smoked fish and unpasteurized dairy products are crucial. The recall is described as a standard procedure to identify the source of contamination and protect public health, indicating the control system's functionality.