Recently, there have been a number of foodborne illness stories that impact the Columbus and Central Ohio areas.  In particular, Botulism and Listeria have been making headlines in our area.

Recently, Listeria was found in Sabra Brand Hummus and Blue Bell Brand Ice Cream. But the most recent finding of Listeria was in Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, which is very chilling since Central Ohio is home for Jeni’s and the customers who know her ice cream best. According to Jeni’s website, “We received the call that no ice cream maker, chef, or entrepreneur wants. A randomly selected pint of ours tested positive for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Out of an abundance of caution, we made the swift decision to cease all ice cream production and sales until we can get to the very root of the problem. We are enlisting the help of experts so we can identify the cause, eliminate it, and return as quickly as possible to the business of making ice cream.” The note on the website is signed by Jeni. According to an FDA Press Release on April 23, 2015, the organism, Listeria Monocytogenes, was discovered by the Nebraska Health Department during random testing of Jeni’s Ice Cream and no known illnesses have occurred. The signs of Listeria infection may include headache, high fever, stiffness, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The infection can be more severe in the very young and old. Pregnant women who become  infected can have stillbirths or miscarriages. As of April 21, according to the CDC website, there have been three deaths in Kansas linked to Blue Bell Brands, and all of the illnesses linked to  Listeria in Blue Bell Brands have been reported in only four states: Arizona, Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.

In addition to Listeria, Botulism has also been in the news in Central Ohio. One death and others who became ill have been linked to a potluck event of the Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church in Lancaster, Ohio. The Ohio Department of Health found botulism in the following foods: potato salad, spaghetti pasta salad, and macaroni and cheese.

For more information:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm444451.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

https://jenis.com/

http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/ice-cream-03-15/

http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/story/news/local/2015/04/24/suspected-botulism-cases-increases/26297487/