Breaking News on Dairy Processing & Markets

Headlines > Regulation & Safety

UK: camembert cheese recalled in E-coli scare

By Chris Mercer, 19-Dec-2005

Related topics: Regulation & Safety

A dangerous strain of E-coli is feared to have contaminated camembert cheese sold by more than a 100 British retailers, including supermarket chain Waitrose, said the country's food watchdog late Monday.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) said the cheeses that may contain the pathogen, E-coli O26, were being withdrawn. It said the strain can cause severe food poisoning if eaten.

All batches of the following cheeses were affected: Reaux's Gaslonde Camembert (250g packs); Camembert de Normandie Th. Reaux (250g packs); Reaux's Gaslonde Camembert 1 kg (normally sold over the cheese counter).

The cheeses are made in France by Laiterie Fromagerie du Val d'Ay-Etablissement REAUX and are distributed in the UK by Anthony Rowcliffe & Son.

The FSA said Rowcliffe had contacted all retailers involved and was arranging warning notices in shops and newspaper adverts.

All the cheeses involved were unpasteurised, and this may re-ignite the on-going debate about the safety of such products. Australia only recently lifted its ban on France's unpasteurised Roquefort cheese after claiming for years it was unsafe.

Key Industry Events

Probiotech 2011

Milan / Conference and exhibition

Read more

Anuga Foodtec 2012

Cologne / Conference and exhibition

Read more

Access our events listing