Two sick in Spain with link to raw milk cheese

La Agencia Española de Consumo, Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (AECOSAN) said the cheese was made by Buruaga Arditegia.

Staphylococcal poisoning is caused by eating foods contaminated with toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (Staph).​

Two batches of cheese made by the company are being removed from the market, said the health department of the Basque Government.

The second batch was recalled after microbiological contamination by Listeria monocytogenes was detected during official controls.

Involved brands are San Donato, Izaga, Arralde, Euskal Gazta, Lapiko and Kutixak with health mark 1501584-VI produced after September 2017 and distributed in Madrid, Navarra and the Basque County.

Most lots made from February 2018 of the Buruaga Arditegia brand with the same health mark are also affected. However, lots 270218, 120318, 190318 and 260318 are not involved and can be consumed.

Food alerts in Spain are managed through the Sistema Coordinado de Intercambio de Información (SCIRI).

Staph bacteria are killed by cooking but toxins are resistant to heat and cannot be destroyed in this way.

Symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhoea usually develop within 30 minutes to six hours and typically last for just one day.

• This article was updated on 25-5-18 to reflect additional information on lots safe to consume.