Big Olaf Creamery issues “big” recall of ice cream due to listeria concerns
Sarasota, Florida based ice cream manufacturer Big Olaf Creamery has issued a recall of all flavors and lots of its ice cream because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Big Olaf ice cream is typically sold in retailers, restaurants, and senior homes throughout the state of Florida. It was strangely enough also sold in a single location in Fredericksburg, Ohio.
Officials informed Big Olaf of their findings on Friday, July 1, 2022. The recall was initiated after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Florida state officials determined Big Olaf “may be a potential source of illness in an ongoing Listeria monocytogenes outbreak”. Big Olaf immediately ceased production and distribution of the ice cream in question. By July 8th, more than 20 people from nearly a dozen states were infected with the Listeria strain officials had been tracking. Of those contacted by officials, 18 said they ate ice cream prior to falling ill, with 10 of them either eating Big Olaf ice cream or at locations that served it.
Listeria monocytogenes are not typically dangerous for young and healthy individuals. It can be a different story though for children, the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. It’s not unheard of for a Listeria contamination to lead to a stillbirth for pregnant women.
Big Olaf ice cream was available to purchase in pint sized, ½ gallon, and 2.5 gallon containers. It was also sold as “scoopable” ice cream to retailers. This is a unique recall in that all lots and flavors are being recalled by Big Olaf. This includes all of their ice cream with an expiration date through June 30, 2022.
Consumers that purchased Big Olaf Creamery ice cream should not consume it. Instead it should be discarded immediately, and any area it came into contact with should be cleaned. Appliances, shelves, utensils, all that came into contact with the recalled ice cream should be cleaned extensively. Customers with additional questions can contact Big Olaf by phone at 941-365-7483.
To read the full release on the FDA’s website, click here: https://bit.ly/3J6v3Fr