Switzerland’s only yeast factory comes to a halt: Listeria infestation blamed for yeast bottleneck

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Instead of fresh knitting there is diarrhea and fever. There has been no fresh yeast on Swiss supermarket shelves for days. Blick now knows: The yeast shortage is caused by a Listeria infection in the only yeast producer in Switzerland!

The company Hefe Schweiz produces its fresh yeast in Stettfurt TG. Yeast cube production is currently at a standstill. As retailers said just a few days ago, “Due to increased maintenance and overhaul costs.”

Listeria was first detected in the summer of 2023, according to the operating company. But not in the final product (yeast cube), but in the starter product, which is then heated; This kills the Listeria. Since then, measures have been taken in cooperation with the cantonal laboratory to “identify and eliminate” the source of contamination.

Listeria is a food-borne bacteria. Anyone who has Listeriosis usually develops flu-like symptoms or diarrhea. However, if the immune system is weakened, the disease can be more severe and lead to blood poisoning, meningitis or pneumonia. Pregnant women, newborns and the elderly are particularly at risk.

Now the yeast cubes come from Germany

Those responsible reassure consumers that there is nothing to worry about: every yeast cube offered for sale is microbiologically checked. “Food safety is a top priority for Hefe Schweiz AG,” the company assures.

The checks also revealed that the yeast cube did not meet “high quality requirements”. Hence the maintenance work. “Therefore, some retailers experienced delivery bottlenecks for yeast cubes, and we regret this,” writes Hefe Schweiz.

Customers can choose liquid or dry yeast only. Or cube yeast from Germany, which Migros and Coop now add to their product range. So no one has to go without a Sunday braid – Listeria or not.

Source :Blick