Listeria danger in butter in France: Recall decision at Leclerc supermarkets

Leclerc, one of France's leading supermarket chains, has announced that a butter product sold in its stores is being recalled due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. In an announcement made on June 23, 2025, the French food safety authority Rappel Conso reported that the 250-gram "Beurre doux extra-fin" butter under the Les Croisés brand is being withdrawn from the market due to health risks.

The recall covers products sold in Leclerc stores between May 10 and June 20, 2025. The barcode number for the recalled butter is 3564700014523, while the lot code is expressed as "125" + time (HH:MM) + "L5". Additionally, products with the code "07" at the end of the barcode are also included in the recall. The expiration date for the products was announced as July 4, 2025.

The Listeria monocytogenes bacterium can cause serious health problems, especially for people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women. This infection, known as listeriosis, can manifest with symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. In advanced cases, meningitis may develop, and there is also a risk of miscarriage in pregnant women.

Authorities emphasized that those who have purchased this product should absolutely not consume it and called on consumers to return the product to their nearest Leclerc store. It was stated that a refund will be provided upon return of the product. Health experts reminded consumers to carefully check product labels in similar situations and to avoid consuming suspicious products.