Mont d'Or, an emblematic cheese of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, is at the heart of an unprecedented health crisis. The bacteria in question, Yersinia enterocoliticais responsible for acute gastroenteritis accompanied by fever. This contamination led to the recall of all batches produced by the Fruitière des Jarrons cooperative since September 10, 2024.
Symptoms of infection with Yersinia enterocolitica include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
These symptoms generally appear two to seven days after consuming the contaminated cheese. It is important to note that this bacteria can cause serious complications, especially in vulnerable people.
Extent and identification of recalled products
The recall concerns a wide range of products, encompassing all sizes of Mont d'Or marketed by Fruitière des Jarrons. Consumers must be particularly vigilant and check the following characteristics on their cheeses:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Inscription | “Made at FRUITIERE DES JARRONS” in black around the edge of the box |
| Logo | Presence of the AOP logo |
| Health stamp | FR 25.620.001 CE |
| Additional mention | “Made with raw milk, 25 JH” |
This situation reminds us of the importance of vigilance regarding food safety, even for traditional and popular products. In this regard, it is vital to note that this popular yogurt is not recommended by 60 million Consumers, highlighting the need for constant monitoring of our eating habits.
National and international impact of contamination
The contaminated Mont d'Or affair goes far beyond the borders of Franche-Comté. According to data from Public Health France, 71 sick cases have been recorded across France, with a particular concentration in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, the region of origin of the cheese. This geographical distribution underlines the importance of distribution circuits in the propagation of health risks.
The alert also spread internationally. France notified:
- Around twenty European countries
- Several Asian nations
These notifications demonstrate the export of Mont d'Or from Fruitière des Jarrons well beyond national borders. This international dimension complicates crisis management and underlines the importance of rapid alert systems between countries.
Preventive measures and recommended actions
Faced with this worrying situation, the health authorities and the Mont d'Or Interprofessional Union reacted promptly. From November 12, 2024, the production workshop interrupted its sales and manufacturing. A specific analysis planvalidated by the health authorities, was put in place, allowing a partial resumption of production on November 21.
For consumers in possession of potentially contaminated Mont d’Or, the recommendations are clear:
- Do not consume the product
- Destroy the cheese
- Contact the point of sale for a refund
A telephone number (06.47.90.18.14) has been made available for any questions or concerns. Vigilance remains required until December 21, 2024, the scheduled end date of the recall procedure.
This health crisis around Mont d'Or reminds us of the crucial importance of food safety and the responsiveness of the authorities to the risks of contamination. It also highlights the need for consumers to remain informed and vigilant about the products they consume, even when it comes to renowned regional specialties.
