Lácteos Matthei plant suspended due to Listeria detection

The Biobío Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Health has ordered a temporary suspension of all production at the Lácteos Matthei processing plant in Los Ángeles, Chile. This decision follows repeated positive microbiological results for Listeria monocytogenes in various cheese samples collected during September.

Health authorities noted that four separate samplings in September identified the bacteria in specific batches. Due to the microorganism's ability to persist in food processing environments and the clinical risks it poses to vulnerable groups, the ban extends to all products manufactured at the facility until corrective actions are implemented and verified.

Regarding consumer safety, authorities clarified that a specific alert was issued for batch 2262907 AM of 250-gram sliced mantecoso cheese, which has been removed from the market. Other positive batches were either retained or sent for final disposal and did not reach public sale. Consumers are advised to check product batch numbers and avoid consuming any product if they are uncertain about its safety.