A Sarasota-based ice cream maker has agreed to recall all of its products after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was responsible for a deadly listeria outbreak.
The recall comes as attorney Bill Marler, who represents the family of listeria victim Mary Billman, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Big Olaf. Earlier this week, he told News Channel 8 nearly two dozen people across 10 states were hospitalized. "At least 23 people, and I think that number is going to rise," Marler said, "that share the identical genetic bacteria in each of them that was found in their blood or spinal fluid."
Big Olaf Creamery products are sold under various brand names, and may still be on store shelves, according to the CDC. Floridians are advised to check with store employees if they're uncertain where the ice cream may have come from.
Three Tampa Bay area stores sell Big Olaf products, according to the company's web site:
-Beverly's Ice Cream, located in the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
-Super Scoops in Treasure Island
-Sprinkles Ice Cream Shop and Retro Candy, St. Pete Beach
CDCD is advising anyone with Big Olaf Creamery ice cream to throw it out immediately.
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