The Polish Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (Główny Inspektorat Sanitarny, GIS) has issued a serious warning concerning the recall of Morbier AOP cheese, originating from France, amid fears of contamination with Escherichia coli producing Shiga toxin (STEC). This recall affects several batches of cheese, which presents significant health risks if consumed.
According to GIS, the underlying issue revolves around the presence of potentially harmful STEC bacteria, which can lead to severe health complications, including hemorrhagic colitis and, in rarer cases, life-threatening conditions such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombocytopenic purpura.
The recall was officially announced on February 7, 2025. All batches of Morbier AOP cheese with minimum durability dates of February 8, February 22, March 8, March 15, March 22, and March 29, 2025, are affected. Consumers are strongly advised against consuming any of these products, as the bacteria poses serious health risks.
GIS has taken immediate action, monitoring the withdrawal process of the contaminated cheese from markets across Poland. Authorities are working closely with manufacturers and distributors to recall the products as swiftly as possible. They have issued warnings, stating, "Zakażenie bakterią STEC może prowadzić do krwotocznego zapalenia okrężnicy lub znacznie rzadziej, bezkrwawej biegunki. W rzadkich przypadkach może wystąpić znaczne pogorszenie stanu zdrowia objawiające się, jako zespół hemolityczno-mocznicowy (HUS) lub jeszcze rzadziej jako zakrzepowa plamica małopłytkowa," which translates to "STEC infection can lead to hemorrhagic colitis or, much less frequently, non-bloody diarrhea. Rarely, there may be significant deterioration of health appearing as hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) or even more rarely as thrombocytopenic purpura."
This alarming notification encourages vigilance among consumers. The GIS has stated explicitly: "Nie należy spożywać produktu z partii objętych komunikatem. W przypadku wystąpienia niepokojących objawów po spożyciu wyżej wymienionego produktu, należy skontaktować się z lekarzem," meaning "Do not consume the product from the batches covered by this notice. If you experience concerning symptoms after consuming the aforementioned product, contact your doctor immediately."
With the cheese still possibly available on shelves of various outlets, consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for any of these specific batches. If found, the products should be returned to the purchasing store. Even disposing of the cheese could pose risks, as it might attract wild animals.
The health authorities are conducting stringent monitoring of the recall processes. Consumer safety remains the top priority, as the GIS reiterates the importance of heeding these warnings to avoid any serious health repercussions.
Summarily, the Morbier AOP cheese recall serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking within food products and the indispensable role of vigilance among consumers. Anyone who may have consumed any affected batches and is feeling unwell should not hesitate to seek medical assistance. It is imperative to stay informed and act swiftly to mitigate health risks.