The FDA has issued a public health alert about possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination of l’Explorateur soft ripened cheese. This pasteurized, cow’s milk cheese was made in St. Simeon, France and is distributed throughout the United States. The government is advising consumers and retailers not to eat, sell, or serve any cheese labeled as l’Explorateur.

The cheeses is packaged in clear plastic containers and is sold in the form of small, circular wheels in 250 gram containers. The sell by dates on the package are May 7, 2019 and May 14, 2019. The product lot codes are 7742-H 057 and 77432-H 064.

Société Fromagère de la Brie firm are subject to an FDA import alert. That means that the government can detain food at the border without physical examination until the firm can show that its products are not in violation of FDA’s food safety requirements.

Symptoms of listeriosis include high fever, stiff neck, muscle aches, severe headache, diarrhea, and nausea. Pregnant women may only have a mild illness that is similar to the flu, but this illness can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, and infection in the newborn. Anyone who has eaten this product and has been ill should see a doctor.

If you did purchase this cheese, discard it, then clean your refrigerator with a mild bleach solution to kill any remaining bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes can grow t temperatures below 40°F. Freezing does not kill this pathogen. Wash you hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling this product and after cleaning.