Ice Cream Finally Recalled Amid Listeria Outbreak That Sickened Multiple People

Following a Listeria outbreak linked to its ice cream that sickened at least 23 people in 10 states, Big Olaf Creamery has finally recalled all flavors and lots of its Big Olaf brand ice cream because it may be contaminated with Listeria.

The affected ice cream was sold at Big Olaf shops in Florida as well as in restaurants, senior homes, and a location in Fredericksburg, Ohio. The recalled ice cream was sold in pint-size containers, half-gallon containers, and 2.5-gallon tubs. It has expiration dates through June 30.

Big Olaf Creamery was informed of the possible Listeria outbreak from its ice cream on July 1 by the Florida Department of Health and Florida Depart of Agriculture & Consumer Services. The company said in its recall notice that it immediately halted production and distribution of the ice cream.

On July 8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a report that said 23 people had become infected with Listeria in 10 states – Minnesota, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York - linked to the ice cream. Twenty-two people were hospitalized, and one person died from the Listeria outbreak, the CDC said.

As part of its investigation, the CDC reported that 18 people had reported eating ice cream, and 10 people said they ate Big Olaf branded ice cream or at one of the company’s retail stores. Other ice cream brands not related to the recall were also mentioned, according to the recall notice.

Big Olaf Creamery said that it has not received any complaints regarding product defects or sickness from customers. However, the ice cream maker has been sued by at least two parties that claim that its products killed a person and caused another pregnant woman to have a miscarriage due to Listeria infections.

Big Olaf said it is cooperating with the investigation into the Listeria outbreak and has asked all retailers to stop sales and dispose of the products. It is urging consumers that have the potentially contaminated ice cream in their possession not to consume it and to dispose of it immediately.

Questions about the recall can be directed to Big Olaf Creamery at 941-365-7483, Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Listeria can cause serious, and in some cases, fatal infections in young children, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Listeria infections include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Miscarriages and stillbirths can also occur from Listeria illnesses.