CDC Alert: Listeria Outbreak Tied to Soft Serve On Go Cups

A CDC food safety alert regarding an outbreak of Listeria infections has been posted: https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/ice-cream-08-23/index.html

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.

What Everyone Should Do:

• Do not eat "Soft Serve On The Go" ice cream cups.
  • Check your freezers. Listeria can survive at freezing temperatures.
  • Throw them away or return them to where you bought them for a refund.