May 26, 2015 — The FDA has released a report outlining flaws in food safety procedures at a facility in Cincinatti, Ohio where Listeria-tainted ice cream was made by Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream.
After Jeni’s recalled all of their ice cream last month due to Listeria contamination, the FDA conducted a 10-day inspection ending on April 30. Inspectors found numerous problems, including failure to keep the facility clean or conduct routine microbial testing.
According to the Associated Press:
“The report said Jeni’s managers did not have an adequate sampling and testing program and were not sufficiently sanitizing some surfaces, including the floors. The report said residue was found on some equipment.”
Inspectors also found that employees who were in charge of food safety demonstrated a “lack of competency.” For example, towels used as sanitizing wipes didn’t actually contain any sanitizer. Furthermore, they were not aware that night-shift employees weren’t sanitizing food contact surfaces in freezers.
This is not the first time the FDA has found problems at the facility. In 2008, there were problems with rodents, insects, and cleanliness of employees. However, these problems were resolved by the time inspectors visited the facility again in April 2015.
No illnesses have been linked to Jeni’s Splendid ice cream. The company has resumed operations and re-opened most of their scoop shops.
In comparison, Blue Bell Creameries has not set a timeline for returning products to store shelves. The company also recalled all of their products last month. In the last two years, there were 17 positive Listeria tests at a facility in Oklahoma. At least 10 illnesses have been confirmed, including three deaths.
Do I have an Ice Cream Listeria Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Listeria, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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