Group 1 - The French health department reported a total of 21 cases of listeria infection since June, resulting in 2 deaths [1][3] - The infected individuals ranged in age from 34 to 95 years, with the first cases diagnosed in June [1] - An investigation linked the infections to soft cheese produced by a local French cheese manufacturer, which has been supplying products to major supermarket chains like Carrefour since its establishment in 1952 [3] Group 2 - As of September 9, multiple cheese products from the implicated company have been recalled, and the production line associated with listeria contamination has been shut down [5] - Listeria is a resilient bacterium that can survive on surfaces for extended periods and is primarily transmitted through food [5] - Most listeria patients may not exhibit symptoms or only show mild gastrointestinal issues, but severe illness can occur in the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, or those with chronic conditions; infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or severe infections in newborns [5]