Listeria Found in Popular Polish Cheese

20 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Authorities warn of Listeria in cheese sold at Carrefour; check batch 07286 (EAN 5905784304458) and return it for a refund.

Alert: Poland’s Chief Sanitary Inspector has recalled a regional cheese after tests detected Listeria in cheese in a routine check. Consequently, consumers must check their fridges and act immediately.

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What happened and which product is affected

The recalled item is “Ser Gałka z Zakopanego” 280g with batch number 07286 and best-before date 25 September 2026. Moreover, the unit barcode EAN reads 5905784304458. The manufacturer lists PPHU Balser Marian Górz Wróblówka from Czarnego Dunajca. In addition, the product reached stores across Poland on commission for Carrefour Polska.

Health risks of Listeria monocytogenes and why it matters

Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe listeriosis. However, many healthy adults have mild symptoms or none. Consequently, the disease threatens pregnant women, elderly people, and the immunocompromised. Moreover, the bacterium grows at refrigerator temperatures. Therefore, even chilled products can remain dangerous. As a result, authorities ordered an immediate sales ban and product withdrawal nationwide.

Actions taken by authorities and retailers

Główny Inspektorat Sanitarny (GIS) announced the recall under Polish food safety laws and EU Regulation 178/2002. Furthermore, the Powiatowy Lekarz Weterynarii and local sanitary inspectors supervise the withdrawal. Carrefour Polska removed the batch from shelves and secured the stock for disposal. Customers who bought the batch can return it for a full refund even without a receipt.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland the recall process is straightforward. Take the cheese back to any Carrefour customer service desk to get a refund without a receipt. Keep the packaging if you fall ill. Moreover, tell your family doctor or visit the infectious diseases hospital at ul. Wolska if symptoms appear. Note that public healthcare works through NFZ (the national health fund), and you can use your PESEL only if you registered it with a clinic. Also, consumer protection agencies like UOKiK handle product safety and refunds. Finally, if you need legal help remember civil law offers remedies for harm; keep medical records and purchase proof when claiming compensation.

What you should do now

First, check your fridge for “Ser Gałka z Zakopanego” 280g and verify batch 07286 and EAN 5905784304458. Second, do not taste or heat the product for safety. Instead, isolate the package in a sealed bag to avoid cross-contamination. Third, return it to any Carrefour for a full refund. Fourth, clean the shelf or container where the cheese sat with hot soapy water. Finally, watch family members for fever, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea and seek medical help quickly.

Legal rights and compensation

Consumers have statutory rights under Polish civil law. Therefore, sellers must accept returns and refund consumers for recalled food. Moreover, if illness occurs, victims can claim medical costs and damages. In addition, keep packaging, purchase proof, and hospital records if you file a claim. The authorities stress that fast reporting and clear documentation help any legal process.

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