LISTERIA BACTERIA DETECTED IN LAPPERTS ICE CREAM

Order issued to withdraw and hold product; no illnesses reported

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Food and Agriculture has issued an order to hold Lapperts Banana Caramel Chocolate Chip Ice Cream at the company's plant in Richmond, and to withdraw product distributed to Whole Foods stores in Sacramento, San Francisco, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, San Mateo, San Rafael, Redwood City and Palo Alto.
 
Inspectors in the state of Washington detected Listeria monocytogenes bacteria during routine surveillance and laboratory sampling. No illnesses have been reported. Washington public health officials are issuing notifications in their state.
 
Listeria monocytogenes may cause listeriosis among "at risk" people, including pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as a headache and stiff neck can occur. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infections during pregnancy could lead to more serious problems for the fetus. If a related illness is suspected, consumers are encouraged to consult a physician immediately.

For retail distribution, Lapperts manufactures the banana caramel chocolate chip flavor in one-pint containers. Consumers who have purchased the product should discard it or return it to the store for a refund.  

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