The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (August 21) urged the public not to consume a batch of cheese originated from France due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The trade should stop using or selling the affected product immediately if they possess it.

     The product details are as follows:

Product name: Brie Mon Sire 1KG
Place of origin: France
Lot number: CZDI2
Use-by date: November 10, 2026
Importer: Classic Fine Foods (Hong Kong) Limited
     
     "The CFS received a notification from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the European Commission that the above-mentioned product was possibly contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importer had imported into Hong Kong the affected batch of the product concerned," a spokesman for the CFS said.

     The importer concerned has stopped sales and removed from shelves the affected batch of the product and has initiated a recall according to the CFS's instructions. Enquiries can be made to the importer's hotline at 3145 7819 during office hours.

     "Listeria monocytogenes can be easily destroyed by cooking but can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperature. Most healthy individuals do not develop symptoms or only have mild symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea when infected. However, severe complications such as septicaemia, meningitis or even death may occur in newborns, the elderly and those with a weaker immune system. Although infected pregnant women may just experience mild symptoms generally, the infection of Listeria monocytogenes may cause miscarriage, infant death, preterm birth, or severe infection in newborns," the spokesman added.

     "In order to reduce the risk of listeriosis, susceptible populations such as pregnant women should consume freshly prepared hot food where possible, reheat chilled food until it is hot all the way through, and avoid high-risk foods, including ready-to-eat food such as cold cuts, cold smoked seafood, soft cheeses, salads, etc, or cook them thoroughly before consumption, even if they are presented as part of a dish."

     The spokesman advised members of the public to stop consuming the affected product and seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after consuming the product concerned.

     The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Friday, August 21, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:53

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