A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) food safety alert regarding an outbreak of Listeria infections has been posted.
Key Points:
- Two people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported, one from New York and one from Pennsylvania. Both have been hospitalized, and neither died.
- The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.
- This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
- Listeria was found in a “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cup collected from a sick person’s freezer, and laboratory scientists are working to determine if it is the outbreak strain of Listeria.
- On August 9, 2023, Real Kosher Ice Cream recalled all flavors of “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups.
- CDC is concerned because the recalled ice cream was served in at least one long-term care facility, where many residents are aged 65 or older or may have weakened immune systems. This makes them more likely to get very sick from Listeria.
