Listeria outbreak spreading across U.S. linked to ice cream sold only in Florida
(Image credit: Big Olaf Creamery website)
On July 2, the CDC announced that a Listeria outbreak has been Linked to a Florida brand of ice cream, Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream, responsible for sickening 23 people, hospitalizing 22, and killing one. Although Big Olaf is only sold in Florida, the Listeria outbreak is spreading across the country after some had visited the Sunshine State where they came into contact with the brand – but then traveled back to their home states.
The CDC warns that anyone who may have Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream at home should throw away any remaining product. Also, clean any areas, containers, and serving utensils that may have touched Big Olaf ice cream products.
The Big Olaf Creamery, headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, has voluntarily contacted retail locations to recommend against selling their ice cream products until further notice. Per the CDC:
About Listeria
- Listeria can cause severe illness (known as invasive listeriosis) when the bacteria spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body.
- Pregnant people, adults 65 years or older, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.
- Symptoms of severe illness usually start within 2 weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria, but may start as early as the same day or as late as 70 days after.
- Listeria can also cause common food poisoning symptoms, like diarrhea and fever. People who experience these symptoms usually recover without treatment.
- For more information about Listeria, see Listeria Questions and Answers.
For more on the Listeria outbreak linked to Big Olaf Creamery’s ice cream, see the video accompanying this article.
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
