Urgent cheese recall: Dangerous bacteria detected - fatal consequences possible for pregnant women

Diarrhea and fever are among the symptoms that consumers may experience after consuming a vegan cheese. Consumer protection warns.

Kassel – There is now a huge selection of cheeses that do not require cow's milk at all. If you like to use the vegan alternatives, it is better to check your refrigerator carefully. Because a recall has been launched for two vegan cheeses from the manufacturer Happy Cheeze. Consumption can trigger dangerous symptoms.

Recall of vegan cheese: In pregnant women, consumption can harm the child

"Through standard follow-up samples, we had to determine that contamination with listeria can occasionally occur in the products," writes the manufacturer Happy Cheeze on its website. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause unpleasant symptoms if infected. About 14 days after infection, flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle aches, as well as diarrhea and vomiting, usually occur.

Especially people with a weak immune system, pregnant women and the elderly can develop severe courses of the disease with blood poisoning and meningitis. "In pregnant women, even without symptoms, the unborn child can be harmed," warns consumer protection. The dangerous bacteria are found again and again in food products, so there has already been a major recall of sausage in the past.

Both the Happy White variety and the Happy White variety with green pepper are affected by the recall. © Happy Cheeze GmbH/Consumer Protection

Vegan cheese recall: "We apologize for the inconvenience"

Although the contaminated cheese has already been removed from all supermarkets, if consumers already have the cheese at home, they are strongly advised not to consume it. Products with the specified best-before dates and the corresponding batch numbers can be returned at the place of purchase for a refund of the purchase price.

If the cheese has already been eaten and symptoms of listeria disease occur, consumer protection recommends immediate consultation with a doctor in the current recall. Pregnant women who have eaten the cheese should be screened for infection even if they are not asymptomatic. On its homepage, the manufacturer apologizes to customers: "Happy Cheeze GmbH regrets that this recall has occurred despite the greatest possible care. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and ask for your understanding."

Currently, there is also an urgent candy recall. The reason for the recall of the popular candy is a possible risk of injury. (tt)