Big Olaf Creamery Ice Cream - linked to Listeria Outbreak

Sarasota, Florida, United States

####Update November 02, 2022

As of November 2, 2022, CDC announced that this outbreak is over. To this date, a total of 28 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 11 states (CO, FL, GA, IL, KS, NE, MA, MN, NJ, NY and PA). 27 people have required hospitalization and 1 death has been reported. Sick people's samples were collected from January 24, 2021, to August 19, 2022. Epidemiologic, laboratory and traceback data showed that Big Olaf Creamery ice cream made people sick.

Source: CDC

Update August 04, 2022

On July 13, 2022, Big Olaf Creamery LLC recalled all flavors, lots, and expiration dates of Big Olaf brand ice cream through June 30, 2022. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has issued a stop order and Big Olaf Creamery LLC is not currently producing ice cream. The recalled ice cream was sold or served at Big Olaf retailers, restaurants, and senior homes in Florida, and in one location in Fredericksburg, Ohio.

As of August 2, 2022, a total of 25 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 11 states (CO, FL, GA, IL, KS, NE, MA, MN, NJ, NY and PA). 24 people have required hospitalization and 1 death has been reported. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: CDC

July 02, 2022

The CDC investigation revealed that the current Florida Listeria outbreak is linked to Big Olaf Creamery Ice Cream. Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream is only sold in Florida. According to the CDC, up to July 2, there have been 23 people reported sick from 10 states. 22 people have required hospitalization and 1 death has been reported.

Big Olaf Creamery in Sarasota, FL, is voluntarily contacting retail locations to recommend against selling their ice cream products until further notice. CDC advises cleaning and disinfecting any areas and equipment that may have touched Big Olaf ice cream products, including ice cream scoops and other serving utensils.

Consumers who have Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream at home should throw away any remaining product.

Listeria is most likely to sicken pregnant people and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill. Listeria symptoms usually start within 2 weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria.

If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/monocytogenes-06-22/index.html