What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI-AR) Program is notifying long term care facilities (LTCFs) of an ongoing Listeria outbreak linked to soft serve ice cream.

• The product, “Soft Serve on the Go” ice cream cups were distributed in 20 states, including Virginia.

CDC is investigating a Listeria outbreak and is advising LTCFs, hospitals, and other institutions to not serve any flavors of “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups.

• One sick person in this outbreak was served this ice cream cup while residing in a LTCF.
• Listeria was found in a “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cup collected from another sick person’s freezer.
• Laboratory scientists are working to determine if it is the outbreak strain of Listeria.

Recall underway: On August 9, Real Kosher Ice Cream recalled all flavors of their “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups.

Why it matters: Residents could be at higher risk for Listeria illness (65 years or older, have a weakened immune system, or are pregnant).

• See the CDC Food Safety Alert for information on Listeria symptoms.