The Ministry of Health has issued a major recall of buffalo mozzarella from Campania due to the presence of aflatoxin M1 in quantities exceeding the limits permitted by European regulations. The alert concerns eight separate notices published on the Ministry's official website, in the section dedicated to food safety.
The substance detected is a toxin potentially harmful to human health, which is why the affected products were immediately recalled from commercial distribution.
The reasons for the recall
The recall was triggered following the detection of aflatoxin M1, a mycotoxin that can contaminate milk and dairy products. Exposure to levels above established thresholds can pose health risks, especially with prolonged consumption.
The affected products
All the recalled mozzarellas were produced by La Contadina Soc. Coop. a rl, in the Grazzanise (Caserta) plant, with identification mark IT 15630 CE.
Below is the complete list of products subject to recall:
Buffalo mozzarella from Campania – Contadina brand
Lot: 25347
TMC: 17/01/2026
Packaging: 125g glass, 125g thermos
Buffalo mozzarella from Campania – Contadina brand
Lot: 25349
TMC: 19/01/2026
Packaging: 250g tuft bag, 50g tuft bag x 5
Buffalo mozzarella from Campania – 2 kg and 3 kg braids – Contadina brand
Lot: 25349
TMC: 05/01/2026
20g buffalo mozzarella from Campania – Metro Chef brand
Lot: 25349
TMC: 05/01/2026
Packaging: 1 kg tub
Buffalo mozzarella from Campania 200-125-100 g – Metro Chef brand
Lot: 25346
TMC: 01/01/2026
Packaging: 1 kg tub
Buffalo mozzarella from Campania 20-100-250 g – Metro Chef brand
Lot: 25350
TMC: 05/01/2026
Packaging: 1 kg tub
50-20g buffalo mozzarella from Campania – Metro Chef brand
Lot: 25345
TMC: 31/12/2026
Packaging: 1 kg tub
Buffalo mozzarella from Campania – Tamburro brand
Lot: 25349
TMC: 19/01/2026
Packaging: 250g tuft bag, 50g tuft bag x 5
Recommendations to consumers
The Ministry urges consumers to carefully check the batch and expiration date of the mozzarella purchased. If the batch number matches the indicated ones, the products should not be consumed and can be returned to the point of sale for a refund or replacement. All other products of the same brands, not belonging to the indicated batches, are considered safe.
What are aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are metabolites produced by certain fungi, known for their toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic properties. They are food contaminants monitored at the European level. EU Regulation 1881/2006 establishes maximum permitted levels in foods, including milk and dairy products, specifically to reduce public health risks.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
I read the article about the recall of buffalo mozzarella from Campania, and I think it's important to carefully monitor the batches. It's strange that there are toxins in the milk, but I hope there aren't any serious health consequences.