Massive Ice Cream Recall Linked to Possible Listeria Contamination
An Owings Mills, Maryland company has issued a recall that includes multiple brands of ice cream due to the potential for contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recalled products, manufactured by Totally Cool, Inc., were shipped and sold nationwide. Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious health issues and can sometimes lead to death.
READ MORE: Canned Coffee Recalled Nationwide Due to Botulism Risk
Symptoms of Listeria Infection
Symptoms can include diarrhea and vomiting, as well as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and even seizures in more severe cases. Mild intestinal symptoms will usually occur within 24 hours of eating food contaminated by Listeria. Those symptoms usually resolve within 1-3 days.
Those Most at Risk of Serious Illness
Those over age 65 and people who are pregnant are most at risk. The CDC says that nearly 1 in 20 non-pregnant people suffering from what the CDC calls "invasive illness" caused by Listeria will become so severely ill that they will die. In pregnant women, "invasive illness," when Listeria has spread from the intestines to other parts of the body, "usually" causes a loss of pregnancy or life-threatening illness of the newborn.
Symptoms in pregnant people are usually mild. Some pregnant people never have symptoms. However, infection during pregnancy usually leads to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. - CDC
The Affected Products
Totally Cool, Inc. has stopped all production and distribution of the affected products after sampling by the FDA found Listeria monocytogenes in its products. The company says that it is continuing its investigation into how the contamination occurred and is taking action to prevent future contaminations, according to the FDA.
See a Full List of Totally Cool, Inc. Products Currently Being Recalled
If you have any of the recalled products at home, you should return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If you have any questions regarding the recall, you can contact Totally Cool, Inc. by email at regulatory@totallycoolicecream.com or by calling 410-363- 7801 between 8am and 4pm eastern, Monday to Friday.
[Source: FDA]
Ten Tips From the Amarican Heart Association to Improve Your Cardiovascular Health
Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals
More From WGBF-FM
