UMVA has learned that the tragic death of West Sussex painter Roger Parkes was linked to a contaminated batch of semi-soft artisan cheese.
Parkes, a celebrated artist known for his vibrant canvases, fell gravely ill after savoring a slice of Baronet Reblochon, a cheese renowned for its creamy texture and washed rind.
Despite relentless medical efforts, he succumbed on February 27, 2023, with an inquest later revealing multiorgan failure and listeria meningitis as the fatal causes.
The investigation traced the lethal strain of listeria monocytogenes back to the cheese’s manufacturing process, labeling the product unfit for consumption.
The Old Cheese Room, the producer behind the ill-fated batch, confirmed contamination yet denied responsibility for the fatal outcome.
Legal representatives for the cheese company argue that Parkes’ preexisting aortic condition and recent surgery, rather than the listeria infection, contributed to his demise.
In the wake of the tragedy, a recall of the affected cheese batch was issued, and reports surfaced that two additional individuals fell ill after consuming the same product.
Listeria, a stealthy bacterium, thrives in ready‑to‑eat cold foods such as soft cheeses, smoked fish, and pre‑cut fruit, posing severe risks to those with weakened immune systems.
Parkes’ wife, Carina, mourns the loss of a husband described as “truly beautiful, with depth, compassion and boundless creativity.”
UMVA’s exclusive coverage underscores the chilling reminder that even beloved artisanal foods can harbor deadly threats, urging vigilance from producers and consumers alike.
