A recent listeria outbreak in the U.S. is linked to Big Olaf Ice Cream products. The cases are to blame for one death and the hospitalization of 22 people across ten states. Big Olaf Creamery is a family-owned company in Sarasota, Florida that exclusively sells ice cream in FL. Amish craftsmen make their ice cream at a creamery near Sarasota.
Listeria Numbers
According to the CDC, ten people out of the group hospitalized lived outside of the state but recently visited last month. The listeria infections occurred over the past six months and affected people aged one to 92. Five individuals fell ill during pregnancy, with one experiencing a fetal loss. The CDC interviewed 17 infected, and 14 stated they consumed ice cream. Six people reported eating ice cream specifically from Big Olaf or having ice cream at a location that sells the brand.
On Friday, Big Olaf contacted retail locations to halt sales of their products. However, the ice cream brand didn’t issue a recall. Big Olaf Creamery representatives were not immediately available for comment.
About Listeria
Listeria bacteria cause illnesses that can be fatal. In the U.S., about 1600 people contract listeriosis yearly from contaminated food. About one in five people with listeriosis die. Infections can cause flu-like symptoms, including:
- fever
- muscle aches
- vomiting
- diarrhea
Symptoms will generally begin about two weeks after consuming contaminated food. According to the FDA, past outbreaks were connected to unpasteurized milk and ice cream, undercooked poultry, and raw vegetables. Furthermore, older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised people are the most vulnerable.
