Listeria Outbreak From Milkshakes in Washington State

The outbreak, traced to a burger restaurant, has led to three deaths.

August 23, 2023

A Listeria outbreak has been traced to milkshakes from to the burger restaurant Frugals in Tacoma, Washington. Three people have died, and at least three others have been hospitalized from the contamination between February and July of this year.

Through genetic fingerprinting, officials identified the ice cream machines at the restaurant as the source of the outbreak. As a result of improper cleaning of the equipment, all flavors of milkshakes were contaminated.

In a statement from the company’s Instagram page, Frugals said, “We are heartbroken and deeply regret any harm our actions could have caused,” according to the New York Times.

Frugals ceased use of the machines on August 8, but Listeria can affect those who came in contact with it up to 70 days after contact. According to Forbes, “the state is advising people who had a milkshake from this location between May 29 and August 7 to contact their healthcare providers.”

As reported in the Times, “The milkshake machines will be kept out of service until the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department determines they are free of Listeria contamination and no longer pose a danger to the public.”

Listeria is a foodborne bacterial illness that isn’t typically dangerous unless a person is immunocompromised, pregnant or elderly. Proper equipment care and food safety are important to keep customers safe.

Also, there is a recall for Real Kosher Ice Cream cups across the country due to a possible Listeria contamination. Check out the NACS Food Safety page for any CDC, USDA and FDA recalls.

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