The Ministry of Health has announced a new recall concerning a batch of DOP buffalo mozzarella from Campania which could contain dangerous levels of a potentially carcinogenic mycotoxin. The measure is part of official food safety controls and was adopted to protect consumer health.
According to what was communicated by the Ministry, the contamination would be attributable to the presence of aflatoxins in the feed used to feed the animals.
All the details of the mozzarella not to be consumed
The new product affected by the recall is Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP – thermo 125 g, under the Contadina brand. The production batch is 25349, with an expiry date of 19 January 2026.
The mozzarella is produced by La Contadina Soc. Coop. a rl, in the factory identified with the IT 15630 CE mark, with headquarters in via Andreozzi 18, Grazzanise (Caserta).
The warning for consumers is clear: do not consume the product and return the packages to the point of sale where they were purchased. The recall is classified as a precautionary withdrawal due to chemical risk, linked to the suspected exceeding of the legal limits for aflatoxin M1.
Other lots recalled previously
In recent days, the Ministry of Health had already reported some batches of buffalo mozzarella from Campania under the Contadina brand. These are:
These products have also been recalled due to chemical risk from aflatoxin M1.
What is aflatoxin M1 and why is it dangerous
Aflatoxin M1 is a mycotoxin that can be present in milk and its derivatives when animals are fed feed contaminated with aflatoxin B1, a substance produced by some molds.
In the organism of dairy animals, aflatoxin B1 is metabolized and transformed into aflatoxin M1, which is then secreted into milk and can reach fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella. This toxin is considered potentially carcinogenic and for this reason the European Union has set very strict limits on its presence in foods.
Prolonged exposure can pose risks to the liver and represents a greater threat to the most vulnerable categories, such as children, the elderly and people with reduced immune defenses. Precisely to avoid any risk to public health, exceeding – even just suspected – the legal limits immediately triggers the recall of the affected products.
