Spanish Health Authorities Withdraw Cheese Products Due to Harmful Bacteria

Spanish health authorities have issued an urgent recall of certain cheese products due to contamination with the harmful bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has initiated protocols in coordination with European health authorities to ensure the immediate withdrawal of the affected products from the market. The affected cheeses include French-origin Camembert du Caractère Vieux Porche (250g, expiration 27/08/2025) and Brie Royal Faucon (1kg x2, expiration 01/09/2025), distributed in regions including Madrid, Euskadi, and the Balearic Islands. The potential reach to other autonomous communities, such as confirmed sales at the La Bretxa market in San Sebastián, has intensified the alert.

Listeria poses severe health risks, especially to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and immune-compromised individuals, causing symptoms like fever and digestive troubles or, in serious cases, central nervous system infections. Consumers are advised to abstain from consuming these cheeses, to avoid contact with contaminated products, and maintain strict hygiene to prevent cross-contamination. Immediate medical consultation is advised if symptoms are present after consumption. For up-to-date information and further instructions, people should follow official sources such as AESAN.