Ice Cream Recall Epidemic: Mystery Listeria Hits Ohio-Based Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Right After Texas' Blue Bell Creameries
The U.S. ice cream is taking a hit with a second producer facing listeria claims.
Blue Bell Creameries of Texas and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams of Ohio have had all their products taken off shelves this week. Blue Bell ice cream is linked to 10 illnesses in four states, including three deaths. There are no known illnesses linked to the Jeni's recall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A spokesman for the Food and Drug Administration said the agency has no evidence, for now, that the listeria found in Jeni's ice cream and the listeria found in Blue Bell ice cream are connected.
"At this time, the FDA does not believe that the finding of listeria in one sample of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is related to the outbreak and recall associated with Blue Bell Ice Cream," said spokesman Jeff Ventura. "We are continuing to investigate both situations and will provide updated information to consumers as we learn more."
Listeria was found in a sample of Jeni's ice cream that the Nebraska Department of Agriculture had randomly collected at a Whole Foods in Lincoln, Nebraska.
All products bearing the name 'Jeni's' were recalled. This includes ice cream, frozen yogurts, ice cream sandwiches and sorbets. In addition to the product recall, retail locations were shutting down temporarily.
"We will be working with our suppliers to determine if the bacteria was introduced by one of the ingredients we use," said John Lowe, the company's CEO. "We will not reopen the kitchen until we can ensure the safety of our customers.
