Ice Cream Recall Issued Following Listeria Contamination
On August 9, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food safety alert after identifying a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups manufactured by Real Kosher Ice Cream. The alert came following confirmation of Listeria contamination in a product sample taken from a sick person’s freezer.
In response, Real Kosher Ice Cream voluntarily recalled all flavors and lot codes of the product, which had been distributed nationwide and was available through various retail outlets, including long-term care facilities, a setting that significantly increases the risk of severe illness due to the vulnerability of its residents.
What Is Listeria and Why Is It Dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis, especially dangerous for:
- Pregnant individuals
- Newborns
- Elderly adults
- People with weakened immune systems
Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and in more severe cases, sepsis, meningitis, or fetal loss. According to the CDC, approximately 1,600 people get listeriosis each year in the U.S., with about 260 fatalities.
The bacteria can survive and grow at refrigeration temperatures, making ice cream and other dairy-based desserts particularly risky when contaminated. Listeria infections can occur days to weeks after consumption, complicating outbreak investigations and diagnosis.
Scope of the Outbreak and CDC Recommendations
As of the CDC’s August alert, multiple confirmed cases of listeriosis have been reported across several states, with a potential connection to the recalled ice cream products. Investigations by the CDC, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state health departments are ongoing to determine the full extent of the outbreak and whether other products or facilities may be implicated.
The CDC has advised:
- Consumers to immediately discard any “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups regardless of flavor or lot number.
- Retailers and food service establishments to pull the product from shelves and inventories.
- Healthcare providers, especially in long-term care settings, to be vigilant for signs of listeriosis among residents.
Anyone who may have consumed the recalled product and is experiencing symptoms of listeriosis should seek medical care promptly, particularly individuals in high-risk groups.
Product and Distribution Details
The affected product, “Soft Serve On The Go”, was packaged in individual 8 oz. plastic cups and distributed to retail and institutional locations across multiple states, with some reports confirming its presence in nursing homes and assisted living centers. The product was sold in flavors including:
- Vanilla Chocolate
- Parve Cookies and Cream
- Caramel
- Mango Sorbet
- Peanut Butter
- Other varieties
All flavors and all lot codes have been included in the recall. Real Kosher Ice Cream has paused production and distribution pending a full investigation.
Broader Public Health Implications
This outbreak once again highlights the critical importance of food safety oversight, especially for ready-to-eat frozen products that are consumed without further cooking. The incident has prompted renewed calls for:
- Stricter monitoring protocols at dairy production facilities.
- Routine Listeria testing in food manufacturing environments.
- Enhanced reporting mechanisms between healthcare facilities and public health departments.
It also underscores the need for extra caution in institutional settings, where contamination can rapidly lead to serious health outcomes among medically vulnerable populations.
Resources and Reporting
Consumers and health professionals can follow the latest updates on the outbreak via:
- CDC Outbreak Notices
- FDA Recalls Database
- Real Kosher Ice Cream Company announcements
Reports of illness related to the recalled products should be submitted to local health departments and/or the FDA’s MedWatch system.
Source:
CDC Stacks – Listeria Outbreak Linked to Real Kosher Ice Cream Products
