feJeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Recalls All Products, Closes Scoop Shops Over Possible Listeria Contamination

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Ohio-based Jeni’s Ice Cream has recalled all of its products and closed retail shops because of possible listeria contamination.

For the second time this week, an ice cream maker has issued a voluntary recall of all products for fear they may be contaminated with listeria bacteria. While the first recall centered on major manufacturer Blue Bell Creameries, the most recent belongs to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, which sells desserts at its own boutique stores and retail stores such as Whole Foods.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is closing its shops and pulling all of its products from retailers’ shelves until it can be sure the treats are safe to consume.

The Ohio-based ice cream maker initiated the voluntary recall after the Nebraska Department of Agriculture found listeria in a random sample of the company’s products.

“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,” the company says in a statement. “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 recall covers all Jeni products including ice creams, frozen yogurts, sorbets, and ice cream sandwiches sold at boutique stores in seven states and at retailers such as Whole Foods and Target.

So far, the company says it is unaware of any consumers falling ill from the products.

The company says they have called in experts to help find the root cause of the contamination and plans to work with suppliers to determine if the bacteria was introduced by a specific ingredient.

“We will not reopen the kitchen until we can ensure the safety of our customers,” the company says on its website.

Customers who have purchased any of the products are urged to dispose of them or return them to the store where they were purchased for an exchange or full refund, and consult with their physician regarding any medical questions.

Jeni’s ice cream recall comes just three days after Blue Bell Creameries announced it would pull all products from retailers nationwide.

Blue Bell has been in the midst of a months-long battle over listeria contamination that has included three recalls and the temporary closure of several production plants. In all, the company’s products have been linked to three deaths and at least 10 illnesses. On Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the contamination may go back as far as 2010.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Voluntarily Recalls All Frozen Desserts [The Wall Street Journal]

by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist