California food inspectors order ice cream recall
The Associated Press
Last Updated: July 13, 2005, 04:20:37 PM PDT
SACRAMENTO (AP) - State officials this week ordered a recall of Lapperts-brand banana caramel chocolate chip ice cream because of a possible listeria bacteria contamination.
The ice cream was distributed to several Whole Foods stores in Northern California.
Food inspectors in Washington state found bacteria in the ice cream during a routine surveillance and laboratory testing. So far, no illnesses have been reported.
Lapperts Ice Cream has been ordered to hold the product, which is sold in pints, at its Richmond plant.
Whole Food stores in Sacramento, San Francisco, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, San Mateo, San Rafael, Redwood City and Palo Alto have been asked to remove the ice cream from their shelves.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Young children, pregnant women, elderly people and others with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.
Consumers who have purchased the ice cream should discard it or return it to the store for a refund.
