The source of the contamination has been traced to the Chavegrand dairy firm, a family-owned company in the Creuse region. In response to the crisis, the company has immediately shut down the specific production line where the contaminated batches were made. However, a key point of data journalism revealed by the article is that the factory had already faced similar listeria concerns and issued smaller recalls in June, leading to questions about the timeliness of the full-scale response.

The scope of the recall is extensive, affecting numerous popular brands and reaching across multiple major French supermarkets, including Leclerc, Carrefour, and Auchan. The contaminated cheeses were sold throughout France and even exported internationally, triggering subsequent recalls in other European countries. The health ministry has advised consumers who have purchased these products not to eat them and to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms, especially given that listeriosis can have an incubation period of up to eight weeks.

Public reaction has been swift and critical. Consumer watchdog associations, such as Foodwatch, have labeled the delay in the recall a “scandal” and accused the company and authorities of “gross negligence.” They argue that the contamination appears to have been present for months and that a more proactive approach could have prevented the fatalities. A Chavegrand spokesperson expressed shock over the “dramas” and stated the company is working to ensure its production lines are safe.