Human Listeriosis Outbreaks Linked to Dairy Products in Europe

Abstract

Dairy products have been associated with approximately half of the reported listeriosis outbreaks in Europe. The listeriosis outbreaks have mostly been linked to consumption of raw milk or products made of unpasteurized milk. Outbreaks, such as in Switzerland in 1983 to 1987 caused by unpasteurized soft cheese, in Austria in 1986 by unpasteurized milk, and in France in 1995 by a Brie-type cheese made of unpasteurized milk demonstrate the risks involved in the consumption of raw milk or soft cheeses made of unpasteurized milk.