72 people sick after eating Le Chasteau farmhouse cheese

The cheeses in question, which are the subject of a government recall, were sold in particular on markets in Puy-de-Dôme.

Cheese lovers, beware. A recall campaign has been launched on Cantal farmhouse cheeses labeled Le Chasteau, after the discovery of 72 cases of salmonellosis linked to this cheese factory, the government announced in a press release on Wednesday, August 14.

“This recall concerns all Le Chasteau farmhouse cheeses from GAEC Deflisque, all batches, all use-by dates (UBD), marketed from March 2024”even when stored in the freezer, the Ministries of Health and Agriculture jointly declared.

These infections are linked to the ingestion of cheeses resembling Saint-Nectaire, but not having the protected designation of origin, produced in Cantal by the Deflisque joint agricultural exploitation group (GAEC), between the beginning of March and the beginning of August 2024. The cheeses were sold in particular on markets in Puy-de-Dôme, according to the government.

Surveys of patients (more than half of whom were in Puy-de-Dôme, Corrèze and Creuse) made it possible to trace the case back to the cheese factory, which was closed. “urgently” July 23.

Salmonellosis causes sudden diarrhea or vomiting, with headache and fever within six to 72 hours after consuming a contaminated product. In young children, pregnant women, the elderly or people with compromised immune systems, the infection can be more severe and even fatal. People who have eaten the cheese and who have symptoms are advised to consult a doctor.