Three fatalities have been connected to milkshakes served at a restaurant in Washington state, where the machinery used to make them was discovered to be contaminated with Listeria.
"Today, we were deeply saddened to learn the Washington State Department of Health is reporting six people were hospitalized with foodborne listeriosis and three people later died. We are heartbroken and deeply regret any harm our actions could have caused," Frugals restaurant said in a statement.
Six Individuals Hospitalized Due to Infection
The Washington State Department of Health (WSDH) reported that Listeria germs were discovered in ice cream equipment at a Frugals restaurant in Tacoma. Officials said that the equipment had not been properly cleaned.
Known as a "foodborne listeriosis outbreak," the Listeria bacteria was linked to six hospitalizations. The WSDH reports that three of the hospitalized individuals eventually passed away.
Although the Frugals restaurant ceased using the machines on August 8, as reported by the health authorities, Listeria bacteria may cause illness in humans for up to 70 days after entering the body system.
In a statement released on Friday, August 18, WSDH officials said, "Most people who eat food contaminated with Listeria will not get seriously sick, but people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems should call their health care provider if they ate a Frugals' Tacoma milkshake between May 29 and August 7, 2023."
According to ABC News, an analysis of the bacteria found in the milkshakes confirmed that the same Listeria strain had caused the six Washington state residents to be hospitalized between February 27 and July 22.
Frugals Outlines Strategies to Eliminate Deadly Bacteria
After a milkshake machine at the Tacoma restaurant tested positive for Listeria, Frugals announced in an Instagram post that they had been working with officials to identify and contain the source of the deadly bacteria.
The business said the milkshake machines are being sent off to an external facility for a complete cleaning, sanitization, and re-testing.
In a statement, it also added that the management has ordered all milkshake machines at all other sites to be turned off and that samples from these machines be sent out for similar analysis as a caution for consumers.
Enhanced cleaning, safety, and sanitization processes will reportedly be implemented by Frugals across all product categories and at all retail locations, even though this is not required.
Listeria Symptoms, as Described by Experts
Health experts say that antibiotics may be effective against Listeria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria may cause serious sickness when the bacteria spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body after being consumed in tainted food. Those at higher risk for severe illness after exposure include pregnant women, those aged 65 and above, those with compromised immune systems, and infants.
Food poisoning symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, may result from listeria infection. Serious sickness may manifest with flu-like symptoms, including muscular pains and weariness, as well as more severe signs like a headache, stiff neck, disorientation, loss of balance, seizures, and so on.