DHHS Tells Consumers not to Eat ‘Soft Serve On The Go’ Ice Cream Cups Due To Listeriosis

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Division of Public Health Services is advising consumers not eat all flavors of “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups produced by Real Kosher Ice Cream of Brooklyn, NY. This is due to a national outbreak of Listeriosis that has been linked to the ice cream cups. At this time, no illnesses related to this outbreak have been identified in New Hampshire; however, Listeria infections in other states have been linked to this product.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections potentially linked to “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups produced by Real Kosher Ice Cream of Brooklyn, NY. 

Based on epidemiological data provided by CDC, both sick people reported eating “Soft Serve On The Go” vanilla chocolate ice cream before getting sick. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture collected an unopened sample of “Soft Serve On The Go” from an ill person’s home. This sample was reported as positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis is still pending to determine whether this is the same strain of Listeria causing illness in this outbreak. 

In response to these findings, Real Kosher Ice Cream has been cooperating with the FDA investigation and voluntarily recalled all flavors of “Soft Serve On The Go” 8-oz cups. This product was distributed to retailers in CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, IL, MA, MD, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, VA, WV. Real Kosher Ice Cream has temporarily stopped production of these products. 

FDA’s investigation is ongoing. Updates to this advisory will be provided as they become available.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

“Listeriosis can be a serious infection,” said Patricia Tilley, Director of Public Health Services. “Foods that are contaminated may not look, smell, or taste any different so there is no way to tell.  The Division of Public Health Services will continue to investigate to identify any cases associated with this outbreak and also is reaching out to consumers, restaurants, and retailers to check their freezers and throw away recalled ice cream products or return to place of purchase for a full refund.

Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics, so anyone who suspects they may have the illness should contact their healthcare provider.

Consumers should discontinue consumption of the product immediately. Please dispose of this product or return to your store of purchase for full credit. Consumers with questions may contact our Soft Serve on the Go team at: 845-668-4346 or [email protected] . Monday thru Friday 9am to 5 pm EST.

For questions about listeriosis, contact the NH Division of Public Health Services at 603-271-4496. For more information about listeriosis and this outbreak, visit www.cdc.gov. For more information about the recall, go to www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm.