The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has issued an order to Lapperts Ice Cream to withdraw Lapperts Banana Caramel Chocolate Chip Ice Cream distributed in one-pint containers to Whole Foods stores in Sacramento, San Francisco, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, San Mateo, San Rafael, Redwood City and Palo Alto, and to hold remaining product at the company’s plant in Richmond.
These actions came after inspectors in Washington detected Listeria monocytogenes bacteria during routine surveillance and laboratory sampling. 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.
No illnesses have been reported to date. Consumers who have purchased the product should discard it or return it to the store for a refund. The company’s other products are not affected by the quarantine and recall.
Consumers with questions can contact CDFA’s Public Affairs phone line at
(916) 654-0462.