Listeria Scare At Ice Pop Factory Affects Missouri Products

MISSOURI — A Denver food plant that makes ice pops and ice cream treats has stopped production after state inspectors found evidence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. About 3,000 cases of Budget $aver Cherry Pineapple Monster Pops and Sugar Free Twin Pops have been recalled due to potential contamination, according to a company press release posted to the website of the federal Food and Drug Administration. No pathogens were found in the food, but environmental swabs showed the presence of the pathogens in the environment.

The ice pops were distributed to retail grocers and distributors in 15 states, including Missouri. The other states were Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Maine, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

The Listeria pathogen is not found in frozen food, but the ice pops are typically sold unfrozen. Although Listeria can't multiply in the freezer, existing bacteria can survive can survive freezing temperature.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, the company said in a statement. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

According to the FDA, no illnesses involving the products have been reported to date.

The ice-pops were shipped during a 15-day period from April 5 to April 19, 2018. The FDA says possibly-contaminated Cherry Pineapple Monster Pops carry the UPC code 0-74534-84200-9, and have lot codes D09418A through D10018B. The Sugar Free Pops carry the UPC code 0-74534-75642-9 and have lot codes D09318A through D10018B.

Patch reporter Jean Lotus contributed.

Photo via FDA