The CDC has declared that an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections traced to ice cream products has ended.
The Centers first reported the outbreak for Disease Control and Prevention on Aug. 10. It affected people in Pennsylvania and New York.
“This outbreak appears to be over; however, consumers should check their freezers for recalled ice cream and non-dairy (parve) frozen dessert products and throw the recalled product away,” according to the CDC. “Options to return recalled product can be found in the recall notice from Real Kosher Ice Cream and Ice Cream House.” Complete product lists are included on the recall notices.
There were two confirmed patients in the outbreak. Both were hospitalized. There were likely more patients in the outbreak because many ill people did not seek medical attention. The symptoms of Listeria infection can mimic other illnesses.
Ice cream and novelty products from the Real Kosher Ice Cream company were sold under the company’s name, and the Ice Cream House brand was the outbreak’s source.
Samples of products and equipment at the manufacturing plant tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria. Whole genome sequencing matched the samples to those from outbreak patients’ lab work and from ice cream in a patient’s home.
“Additionally, product sampling was conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets at Real Kosher Ice Cream’s manufacturing location. Five finished product samples of Soft Serve On The Go Vanilla Chocolate ice cream were reported as positive for Listeriamonocytogenes. WGS analysis confirmed that the strain of Listeria found in these products matches the outbreak strain,” the CDC reported.
All products manufactured at the facility were recalled. The Ice Cream House temporarily halted production and ceased retail service at the facility.
Ice Cream House products subject to the recall include
- ice creams
- cakes
- pies
- logs
- novelty items with the “Ice Cream House” logo
The Ice Cream House products were distributed in New Jersey, New York, and Ohio.
Real Kosher Ice Cream products subject to recall included:
- Soft Serve On The Go Vanilla Chocolate
- Soft Serve On The Go Razzle
- Soft Serve On The Go Caramel
- Soft Serve On The Go Parve Vanilla Chocolate
- Soft Serve On The Go Sorbet Strawberry Mango
- Soft Serve On The Go Lite Peanut Butter
The Real Kosher Soft Serve On the Go products were distributed in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause severe and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
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