Khaberni - The health authorities in France announced the recording of 12 cases of listeriosis linked to the consumption of processed meat products from the company "Drome Ardeche Tradition" in an incident that caused widespread health concern.
The cases resulted in the deaths of two individuals over 75 years old who had chronic diseases, while authorities began a health investigation that led to the factory's closure and the withdrawal of products from the market.
The French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty reported that 12 individuals were infected after consuming processed meat products from "Drome Ardeche Tradition" based in the city of Bourg-de-Peage in the Drome region of southeastern France, according to the French radio station "France.Bleu".
Among the infected, two individuals older than 75 who suffered from chronic illnesses died. Official data indicates that the cases were recorded between September and last January, while no new cases have been registered since February 11.
The French public health agency clarified that all the infected individuals were hospitalized, including seven women and five men, all over the age of 65 except for a 34-year-old pregnant woman.
Geographically, most cases were recorded in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alps region, while one person was infected in Burgundy-Franche-Comte, another in Normandy, and one more in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
It was also found that 10 of the patients suffer from chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, chronic kidney failure, or advanced age, increasing the severity of their conditions.
The health authorities urged those who consumed the company's products and exhibited symptoms like fever, headache, or muscle pain to consult a doctor immediately and inform them about consuming these products.
They also emphasized the importance not to consume any remaining products at home, which were marketed under the brand names "Drome Saisons" and "Jules Courtial", as well as several private retail brands.
Following investigations which began in late February after suspicions of bacterial contamination, authorities conducted inspections and sampled at the factory through the Directorate of Population Protection in the Drome region, leading to an administrative decision to suspend the factory's operations.
All products manufactured at the Bourg-de-Peage site were pulled from the market, and analyses conducted by the National Reference Center for Listeria at the Pasteur Institute confirmed a direct link between the infections and consumption of the company's products.
In response, the company Drome Ardeche Tradition stated in an official release that it is fully cooperating with health authorities, noting the implementation of a comprehensive procedure plan which includes temporarily halting production, thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the factory, and conducting microbiological audits to ensure the removal of any risks, in addition to updating the procedures for cleanliness and food safety and enhancing the health monitoring system within the facility.
The company affirmed that food safety is a top priority, and that it will not resume production until regulatory bodies confirm the complete elimination of risks and permit the reopening of the factory.
