The public health science institute Sciensano reports that a first case of listeriosis has been diagnosed in Belgium. The infection is linked to the listeriosis outbreak in France that has been caused by contaminated cheese. The condition of the person that has become infected is not yet clear.
First listeria infection in Belgium following outbreak in France caused by contaminated cheese
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Hélène Bonte of the Federal Food Safety Agency (FAVV) told VRT News that "We have knowledge of 1 person that has become infected with listeriosis. It is reported to be the same strain as in France”.
For the time being at least there is no further information about the first infection so far in Belgium.
Ms Bonte adds that although strict measures are in place in Belgium to safeguard food safety it cannot be completely ruled out that listeria bacteria will end up in our food. “We don’t live in a sterile environment. Bacteria are part of our environment and can therefore end up in our food.”
“Listeria, for example, is often found in unpasturised milk. Food companies are obliged to do everything they can to keep the risk as low as possible. To this end they carry out a lot of tests on their products. However, it cannot be ruled out that contaminated products occasionally end up on the shelves. If this is the can we then recall them.”