Marie reaches into her fridge for a quick snack before her evening shift at the hospital. She grabs the familiar pack of chicken grignottes she bought at Leclerc last week – those bite-sized pieces perfect for her 20-minute lunch break. But as she’s about to open the package, her phone buzzes with a news alert that makes her stomach drop.
The very chicken in her hand is part of a massive nationwide recall. The reason? Listeria contamination that could put her and thousands of other French shoppers at serious risk.
Marie isn’t alone. Right now, families across France are checking their fridges with growing concern as health authorities scramble to remove potentially dangerous chicken products from major supermarket chains.
Why This Listeria Chicken Recall Has Everyone Talking
French health authorities have issued an urgent listeria chicken recall affecting products sold at Leclerc, Carrefour, Auchan, and Système U. The recalled items are “grignottes” – those convenient ready-to-eat chicken pieces that have become a staple in French households.
The culprit behind this widespread recall is Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium that can cause listeriosis. Unlike many foodborne illnesses that make you sick for a few days, listeria can be life-threatening, especially for pregnant women, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
“When we see listeria contamination in ready-to-eat products like these chicken pieces, we act immediately,” explains Dr. Laurent Dubois, a food safety specialist at the French National Institute for Health. “These products don’t require cooking, which means any bacteria present goes straight into your system.”
The recall notice, published through Rappel Conso (France’s official recall platform), warns consumers to stop eating the affected products immediately and return them to stores for a full refund.
Complete List of Recalled Chicken Products
The listeria chicken recall centers on several flavored varieties of Le Gaulois brand grignottes. Here’s everything you need to know about the affected products:
| Product Name | GTIN Code | Batch Number | Use-By Date | Sale Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intense Spicy Curry Grignottes | 3266980025724 | 023/023 | 14 Feb 2026 | 24-30 Jan 2026 |
| Saveur Japanese Teriyaki Grignottes | 3266980025755 | 023/023 | 14 Feb 2026 | 24-30 Jan 2026 |
| Indienne (Indian-style) Grignottes | 3266980239886 | 023/023 | 14 Feb 2026 | 24-30 Jan 2026 |
All three products share the same critical identifiers:
- Batch number: 023/023
- Use-by date: February 14, 2026
- Distribution period: January 24-30, 2026
- Available at major chains nationwide
“The fact that all affected products share the same batch number suggests contamination occurred at the production facility level,” notes food safety expert Dr. Claire Moreau. “This makes the recall more straightforward – consumers just need to check for that 023/023 batch code.”
These seasoned chicken pieces were distributed widely across France’s major supermarket networks, meaning the potential exposure reaches into hundreds of thousands of households.
What Listeria Contamination Means for Your Health
Listeria isn’t your typical food poisoning. While many people might experience mild flu-like symptoms, the bacteria can cause severe complications that require immediate medical attention.
The symptoms typically appear within 24 hours to several weeks after consuming contaminated food:
- High fever and chills
- Severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Confusion or changes in alertness
But here’s what makes this listeria chicken recall particularly concerning: certain groups face much higher risks. Pregnant women can suffer miscarriages or deliver seriously ill babies. Elderly people and those with compromised immune systems may develop life-threatening infections.
“We’re not just talking about a bad stomach ache here,” warns Dr. Antoine Roussel, an infectious disease specialist in Lyon. “Listeria can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause meningitis. That’s why we take these recalls so seriously.”
The bacteria’s ability to survive and even multiply in refrigerator temperatures makes it especially dangerous in ready-to-eat products like the recalled chicken grignottes.
How Major Retailers Are Responding
Leclerc, Carrefour, Auchan, and other major chains have moved quickly to remove the affected products from their shelves. Store managers across France received urgent notifications to pull all Le Gaulois grignottes with the 023/023 batch number.
Customer service departments at these retailers report they’re processing refunds without requiring receipts, given the health risks involved. Many stores have also placed warning signs near their prepared food sections.
“When public health is at stake, we don’t hesitate,” says a Carrefour spokesperson. “Our teams worked through the night to identify and remove every affected package.”
The recall affects not just the major chains but also smaller franchises and independent retailers who stock Le Gaulois products. The wide distribution network means the contaminated chicken could have reached virtually any corner of France.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you’ve purchased chicken grignottes recently, don’t panic – but do act quickly. Here’s your step-by-step action plan:
- Check your fridge immediately for Le Gaulois chicken grignottes
- Look for batch number 023/023 on the packaging
- If you find affected products, don’t eat them under any circumstances
- Double-bag the products and throw them away
- Clean any surfaces the packaging touched with disinfectant
- Return to your store with or without a receipt for a full refund
If you’ve already eaten any of the recalled chicken products and feel unwell, contact your doctor immediately. Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve – early medical intervention can be crucial with listeria infections.
This listeria chicken recall serves as a reminder that food safety vigilance never stops, even with familiar brands and trusted retailers. The good news? Swift action by authorities and retailers means the contaminated products are being removed quickly from circulation.
FAQs
How do I know if I bought the recalled chicken products?
Check your Le Gaulois chicken grignottes packages for batch number 023/023 and a use-by date of February 14, 2026.
Can I get a refund without my receipt?
Yes, major retailers including Leclerc, Carrefour, and Auchan are processing refunds without receipts due to the health emergency.
What if I already ate some of the recalled chicken?
Monitor yourself for symptoms like fever, headache, or nausea. If you feel unwell, contact your doctor immediately and mention you consumed recalled products.
Is it safe to eat other Le Gaulois chicken products?
Only products with batch number 023/023 are affected. Other Le Gaulois products with different batch numbers remain safe to consume.
How long does listeria take to make you sick?
Symptoms can appear anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks after eating contaminated food, which is why monitoring your health is important.
Will this recall affect chicken prices in France?
While there may be temporary shortages of similar products, major price impacts are unlikely as the recall affects only specific batch numbers from one brand.
