Public health authorities in Washington state have successfully traced the source of a listeria outbreak that resulted in six people being hospitalized and three deaths: contaminated milkshakes. The Washington State Department of Health conducted an investigation and discovered listeria bacteria in all flavors of milkshakes sold at a Frugals brand restaurant in Tacoma. The contamination was attributed to two improperly cleaned ice cream machines. Two individuals who contracted listeria had reported consuming milkshakes at the Frugals restaurant before falling ill. This is not the first time that milkshakes and ice cream have been linked to listeria outbreaks, prompting health inspectors to collect milkshake samples for testing on August 8th. A week later, genetic analysis revealed that the listeria strain found in the milkshakes matched the strain responsible for the outbreak.
All six victims were hospitalized between February 27th and July 22nd, but health officials are still urging the public to reach out to their doctors if they consumed milkshakes at the Tacoma Frugals location during the summer, as symptoms of listeria can take up to 70 days to manifest. No other Frugals branches appear to be affected by the listeria outbreak. To address the issue, the restaurant ceased using the two ice cream machines on August 8th and will keep them out of service until the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department confirms they are free from listeria contamination. The individuals hospitalized had weakened immune systems, making it more difficult for their bodies to fight off the infection. The victims ranged in age from 40 to 79.
Although most individuals who consume food contaminated with listeria do not develop severe illness, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those over 65 are more susceptible to listeria infections. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, as well as headaches, stiff necks, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. These symptoms typically appear within two weeks of infection. Listeriosis can have serious consequences for pregnant women, including pregnancy loss, premature birth, and illness or death in newborns.
Frugals Tacoma released a statement on its Instagram page expressing sadness over the hospitalizations and deaths resulting from eating at their restaurant. They expressed regret and assured that they are cooperating with the health investigation. The restaurant has sent its milkshake equipment to an independent facility for cleaning and sanitation, followed by re-testing for bacteria. As a precaution, all milkshake machines in other Frugals locations have been shut down and samples are being sent for similar testing. Frugals emphasized its commitment to cooperating with the investigation, implementing necessary changes to maintain their high operational standards, and preventing such incidents from occurring again.
Listeria bacteria are commonly found in the environment, such as soil, vegetation, water, livestock feed, and human and animal feces, according to Health Canada. Even seemingly healthy farm animals can carry listeria and contaminate meats and dairy products. Unlike other bacteria, listeria can survive and grow in refrigerated foods. Additionally, foods contaminated with listeria may appear, smell, and taste normal. However, proper cooking and pasteurization techniques can eliminate listeria. Listeria infections are relatively rare in Canada, with just over 130 cases reported annually in recent years.
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