Seven dead, dozens sick
Swiss cheesemaker convicted of negligent homicide
29.05.2024, 21:00
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In Switzerland, dozens of people fell ill after eating cheese from a manufacturer in the canton of Schwyz. Seven people even died. Although it quickly became clear that the cheese was contaminated with listeria, the investigation lasted four years. The court has now passed its verdict.
A Swiss cheese manufacturer has been convicted of multiple counts of negligent homicide in connection with contaminated products. The Schwyz District Court imposed a suspended two-year prison sentence. An additional fine of 80 daily rates of 120 francs (around 122 euros) was also imposed, also with suspended conditions.
According to the prosecution, seven people died because they had eaten the manufacturer’s cheese, which was contaminated with listeria. The defendant was also found guilty of multiple assaults and violations of food law. The convicted cheesemaker expressed his condolences to all those affected in court and said he regretted the incident. The verdict is not yet final.
According to the public prosecutor’s office, a total of 34 consumers fell ill between 2018 and 2020 from products from the now closed cheese factory in Steinerberg in the canton of Schwyz. The listeria was discovered during an inspection in May 2020. All buyers were asked to remove the products from their range. A scientific analysis then led investigators to trace previous cases of illness. The investigation into the case lasted almost four years.
Pregnant women, children and the elderly are particularly at risk
The cheesemaker is said to have checked his business and his products for listeria too rarely, reported SRF, citing the indictment. He should have done this every three months. But on the one hand, he usually only had the cheese tested for other pathogens and on the other hand, he neglected to send in samples from the environment for inspection in addition to the cheese, the report said.
Listeria are bacteria. The disease usually manifests itself within 14 days of infection with gastrointestinal complaints, headaches and fever. More severe disease progression can occur, particularly in pregnant women, children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.