2022 Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Brie and Camembert Cheese
Posted December 9, 2022
This outbreak is over. Check your freezer for recalled baked brie. Stay up to date on food recalls and outbreaks to avoid getting sick from eating contaminated food.
Fast Facts
- Illnesses: 6
- Hospitalizations: 5
- Deaths: 0
- States: 6
- Recall: Yes
- Investigation status: Closed
Outbreak Investigation Summary
Data showed that cheese made by Old Europe Cheese, Inc. made people in this outbreak sick.
- Of the five people interviewed, four (80%) reported eating brie or camembert cheese.
- Most people did not remember the brand of the cheese they ate, but one person reported eating Lidl Premium Brand Brie. Old Europe Cheese was the only manufacturer of Lidl Premium Brand Brie.
- The outbreak strain of Listeria was found in the Old Europe Cheese facility.
Many brands of brie, camembert, and baked brie cheeses were recalled in September and October. These cheeses have best-by dates through December 14, 2022.
- September 30 recall: Old Europe Cheese brie and camembert recall
- October 4 recall: St Louis brie recall
- October 5 recall: Old Europe Cheese baked brie recall
What You Should Do
Check your freezer for recalled baked brie.
- If you have any, do not eat it. Throw it away.
Stay healthy and prevent Listeria:
- Find out if you are at higher risk for getting sick with Listeria.
- Learn which foods are more likely to contain Listeria, and take steps to prevent getting sick.
- Stay up to date on food recalls and outbreaks to avoid getting sick from eating contaminated food.
About Listeria
- Listeria is especially harmful to pregnant people, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. This is because Listeria is more likely to spread beyond their gut to other parts of their body, resulting in a severe condition known as invasive listeriosis.
- For people who are pregnant, Listeria can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection in their newborn.
- For people who are 65 years or older or have a weakened immune system, Listeria often results in hospitalization and sometimes death.
- Symptoms usually start within 2 weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria, but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after.
- Pregnant people usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.
- People who are not pregnant usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. They may also get a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.
- For more information about Listeria, see the Listeria Questions and Answers page.
