The $30 million cheese conundrum

The popularity of unpasteurized dairy products in the UK has surged in recent years, with many artisanal cheese producers capitalizing on the trend.

However, the rise of raw cheese has also led to a growing number of listteria cases,with 179 reported in England and Wales in 2024 alone.

One such case involved Roger Parkes, a West Sussex painter who died in February 2023 after consuming a 'Valentine box' of artisan cheeses.

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The UK's food safety regulations are in place to prevent such incidents, with strict controls and testing procedures in place across the industry.

However, experts warn that lapses in hygiene at any point in the supply chain can allow dangerous bacteria to spread.

According to Professor Catherine Rees, a microbiologist at the University of Nottingham, listeria is a particular concern in raw-milk cheeses because it can continue to grow even at refrigeration temperatures.

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The unnamed buyer of The Old Cheese Room, a Wiltshire-based producer, has been linked to the recall of batches of its Baronet Reblochon cheese following Mr Parkes' death.

The company has since faced a lawsuit from Mr Parkes' widow, who is seeking over £200,000 in damages.

As the popularity of raw dairy continues to grow, experts warn that even small lapses in food safety can have serious - and sometimes fatal - consequences.

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According to the UK Health Security Agency, 28 deaths were recorded among non-pregnancy-related listeriosis cases in 2024.

Experts stress that infection remains relatively rare given the huge quantities of food consumed each year.

Food safety specialist Sylvia Anderson told The Telegraph that strict regulations are in place across the UK food industry, with controls, testing, and serious penalties for companies that fail to meet safety standards.