Big Olaf ice cream linked to deadly US Listeria outbreak
Ice cream produced by family-owned Big Olaf has been linked to 23 illnesses and 22 hospitalisations across ten states, CDC said. While Big Olaf is only on sale in Florida, among ten of the confirmed cases who did not live in Florida, eight travelled to the state in the month before getting sick. The majority of confirmed cases – 12 – occurred in the state, CDC data revealed.
In its advice to consumers, CDC stated: “Consumers who have Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream at home should throw away any remaining product.”
Businesses, meanwhile, were advised: “Do not serve or sell any Big Olaf ice cream products.”
Big Olaf Creamery is voluntarily contacting retail locations to recommend against selling their ice cream products ‘until further notice’. Further details of specific SKUs have not been released.
However, the investigation is ongoing and Big Olaf has not initiated a full recall. Local media reported the ice cream manufacturer has stressed it has not yet been ‘proven’ that its products are responsible for the outbreak.
Big Olaf had not responded to requests for further comment at time of press.
