Spain Expands Cheese Recall Due to Listeria Contamination

The Spanish Food Safety and Nutrition Agency (Aesan) has urgently expanded an earlier alert concerning the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in cow's milk cheeses. Initially, the alert affected a batch of fresh cow's milk cheese, but subsequent quality inspections led to the inclusion of two additional cheeses: Queso Costeño, branded as Nativo, and Queso Estilo Llanero, branded as Goya.

The original notification was issued earlier this week, specifically targeting fresh cheese. However, further laboratory analyses prompted health authorities in Madrid to extend the recall to other products in the ethnic cheese segment. This expanded recall now involves all three products being removed from supermarket shelves.

The Listeria monocytogenes bacterium is known for its resilience, capable of thriving in refrigerated environments, posing significant health risks. In response, Spanish health officials have advised distributors to halt the sale of affected batches and urged consumers to return any purchased products. The bacterium is especially dangerous for pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly.

This incident underscores the stringent microbiological controls required by the European Union for the sale of fresh and artisanal dairy products. Companies are now compelled to rigorously review their pasteurization and safety protocols.