Ice Cream Recall Hits Florida

The last thing you want to hear in the middle of a sweltering summer is that  ice cream is being recalled. But that’s exactly what’s happening in Florida and in more than a dozen other states and Washington, DC.

The culprit is suspected listeria contamination that has put two people in the hospital so far – in Pennsylvania and New York.  No deaths at this point, but officials are concerned enough. The manufacturer is also concerned enough to pull the plug pending an investigation into the exact source of the contamination.

As a result, all flavors of “Soft Serve On The Go” cups have been recalled. The flavors include vanilla, chocolate, razzle, caramel, and strawberry and mango sorbet. They are most often sold at convenience stores. The to go soft serve comes in 8-ounce cups with clear plastic domed lids, and a disposable spoon attached.  They look like the to-go cups at an ice cream shop. The UPC is the only code you can find on the cups, and there aren’t any lot numbers or “use by” dates.

The FDA said all of the products produced through August 4 are covered by the recall.

According to the CDC, listeria is a bacteria that can cause fierce, sometimes fatal infections in pregnant women, young children older folks, and people with compromised immune systems.  Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, and diarrhea or upset stomach.  You may also experience a stiff neck, headache, confusion or loss of balance. Note that symptoms may not appear for weeks after you ate the contaminated food.  Many pregnant women have no symptoms at all.

The FDA says consumers should discontinue eating the ice cream immediately, dispose of it, or return it to the store where it was bought for a full refund.  If you have questions, you can contact the  Soft Serve on the Go team at:  845-668-4346, or email them here.

The recalled ice cream is made by Klein's Real Kosher of Brooklyn.  They've been in business since 1955.

We're into it. Another long hot humid summer in Tampa Bay is here. Ice cream shops aren't as big here as they are where I'm from ironically. In Maine, it seems like there's an ice cream shop on every corner. And they only have the hot temps for a few months. I think people here just tend to keep some on hand at home instead of taking a drive. But if you're up for it, here are 10 spots around Tampa Bay worth a lick.

This list is in no particular order but I've gotta start off with my personal favorite. Strachan is my spot when I take a break biking along the Pinellas Trail. You'll usually see a line, but it's worth the wait. Lots of flavors to choose from and downtown Dunedin has plenty of spots to sit down and enjoy the moment.

Honestly for me it's all about the doughnuts here, but I'm sure the ice cream is great too. Try the Fruity Pebbles milkshake!

If you're a waffle cone fan but hate the mess, they have waffle bowls. Don't get put off that there are only 3 flavors... it's all about the mix at Whit's with things like cookie dough, graham crackers and Reese's Cups.

The ice cream and cookie sundae is great after a hot day on the beach. They've got brownies and dairy free options too. And like any great shop, you can get a sample first.

Red velvet with ginger snap sound good? Try this place on Dale Mabry. A chunk of the profits go to charity so that tastes good too.

Unique flavors are what it's all about at Revolution. Watch an old fashioned movie on the VCR while you enjoy a scoop of the banana pudding ice cream.

A small place that's easy to miss so keep an eye out for signs to guide you. The menu changes frequently, but the Chocolate Bacon Toffee is a favorite. They have sugar free options too.

Fresh waffle cones, fresh baked cookies, floats, and more in the heart of Ybor City. Go with the cookie sandwich!

This place has had mixed reviews from customers lately, but loyalists love the atmosphere. They serve ice cream and gelato. Some fun creations for the kids like the shark fin with googly eyes.

Ice cream and stuffed animals... one stop shopping if you need a gift. The strawberry shortcake is the flavor to try here.

Wait. A pizza shop? Yeah sorry. It's my favorite place for pizza anywhere in Florida, but the gelato is pretty incredible too.