The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has issued a warning regarding the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in Gorgonzola cheese originating from Italy, specifically from the brand Cucina Nobile with a expiry date of 13/01/2024.
The information was provided by the autonomous community of Madrid through the Coordinated Rapid Information Exchange System (SCIRI).
ALDI product recall
Consumers are strongly advised not to consume any of the affected products found in their homes. The AESAN was alerted to this issue through the SCIRI after receiving a notification from the health authorities of the Community of Madrid regarding the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in Cucina Nobile Gorgonzola cheese. Moreover, the product is distributed by ALDI SUPERMERCADOS SL, which has notified its customers through its website. Further details can be accessed via the following link: ALDI’s Product Recall Notice.
Gorgonzola product details
The specific details of the affected product are as follows:
- Product Name (on label): Gorgonzola Cheese.
- Brand/Commercial Name: CUCINA NOBILE.
- Product Appearance: Packaged in 200g units, refrigerated.
- Lot Number: L33812011
According to available information, the initial distribution of the affected product includes the following autonomous communities;
- Andalucía
- Aragón
- Principado de Asturias
- Cantabria
- Castilla y León
- Castilla – La Mancha
- Cataluña
- Comunidad de Madrid
- Navarra
- Comunidad Valenciana
- Extremadura
- Galicia
- Balearics
- La Rioja
- The Basque Country
- Región de Murcia
However, it cannot be ruled out that redistributions may have occurred to other autonomous communities.
This information has been communicated to the competent authorities of the autonomous communities through the SCIRI to ensure the removal of the affected products from commercial channels.
Consumers
Consumers who have the affected product at home are strongly urged not to consume it. If anyone has already consumed the product from the affected lot and experiences symptoms consistent with listeriosis (such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever), it is recommended to seek medical attention.
Pregnant individuals are advised to consult the consumption recommendations during pregnancy provided by AESAN OA, particularly regarding important food hygiene practices and a list of foods to avoid during pregnancy due to associated biological risks, including Listeria monocytogenes.
Furthermore, it is emphasised that maintaining stringent hygiene measures is crucial to prevent cross-contamination with other products.
What are Listeria monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium responsible for causing the infectious disease known as listeriosis. It is commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil, water, and vegetation. Listeria monocytogenes can also be present in some raw foods and in the feces of animals.
Moreover, Listeriosis primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly. Healthy individuals with robust immune systems are generally less susceptible to severe infections. The bacterium is known for its ability to survive and even thrive in various conditions, including cold temperatures and environments such as refrigerators.
Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes typically occurs through the consumption of contaminated food, especially unpasteurised dairy products, raw vegetables, and certain processed foods. Unlike many other bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes can multiply and survive at refrigeration temperatures, making it a concern for food safety.
For more information (in Spanish) about listeriosis, please visit this link.
Additional information about foodborne diseases can be found in Spanish on the AESAN OA portal.
