The CDC, the Florida Department of Health, and public health and regulatory officials are currently investigating a multi-state listeria outbreak which seems to be connected to Big Olaf brand ice cream products.
Currently, over 10 states have experienced cases of listeria. However, the CDC said the outbreak may not be limited to the states affected “because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria.”
You can see all states affected here.
Big Olaf Creamery made a statement regarding the issue and revealed that are fully cooperating with the investigation. They were also sure to share that “it is only speculation” that its ice cream is responsible for the listeria outbreak, as the statement partially read “Our brand has not been confirmed to be linked to these cases.”
In the meantime, the CDC has had the ice cream company contact all retail locations and businesses to stop selling their product. Additionally, the health organization recommends that consumers who have purchased any Big Olaf Creamery products to toss them immediately.
It said the Sarasota, Florida-based ice cream manufacturer was “voluntarily contacting retail locations to recommend against selling their ice cream products until further notice.”
LISTERIA OUTBREAK UPDATE: Do not eat Big Olaf Creamery ice cream. If you have Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream at home, throw away any remaining product. This ice cream is only sold in Florida. This investigation is ongoing.
For the latest info: https://t.co/0aGAF3ZL4j pic.twitter.com/5w476Yk5yU
— CDC (@CDCgov) July 2, 2022
Listeria is described as being a serious infection caused by food products contaminated with the listeria monocytogenes bacterium.
“Consumers who have Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream at home should throw away any remaining product,” the CDC said.
Citizens must thoroughly clean “any areas, containers, and serving utensils that may have touched Big Olaf ice cream products,” the agency said.
Sources: WesternJournal, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
