Listeria Outbreak Linked to Frugals Milkshakes in Tacoma Restaurant
A listeria outbreak that has claimed the lives of three people has been traced back to milkshakes sold by the popular burger chain Frugals at its restaurant in Tacoma, Washington, according to officials from the state’s health department.
In a news release issued on Friday, health officials revealed that the outbreak had been caused by listeria, a food-borne bacteria that can lead to severe illness or death, especially in individuals aged 65 or older. Pregnant women are also at risk of miscarriages and premature births when exposed to this bacteria. Apart from the three fatalities, at least three other people were hospitalized between February 27 and July 22 as a result of the outbreak.
Further investigations confirmed that the same strain of listeria was found in the restaurant’s ice cream machines, which had not been adequately cleaned. The Tacoma Frugals immediately ceased using the machines after they were examined on August 8. However, it is worth noting that listeria can cause sickness even several days after the initial consumption of the contaminated food. Fortunately, the health department’s statement assured that none of the other Frugals restaurants in Washington or Montana were believed to have been affected by the outbreak.
Frugals, in a statement posted on Instagram over the weekend, expressed their remorse, saying, “We are heartbroken and deeply regret any harm our actions could have caused.” The restaurant has taken immediate measures to address the issue, including halting the sale of milkshakes and sending the milkshake equipment to be thoroughly cleaned and retested.
Despite repeated requests for additional comments, Frugals has not responded as of Monday evening.
Notably, all six individuals who were hospitalized, including those who tragically lost their lives, were found to be immunocompromised. Genetic fingerprinting of the bacteria pointed towards the food consumed at the restaurant as the likely source of contamination.
Two of the survivors admitted to investigators that they had consumed milkshakes from the Frugals restaurant. Previous instances of listeria outbreaks connected to ice cream and milkshakes prompted the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to conduct sampling at the restaurant on August 8. Ten days later, it was confirmed that all milkshake flavors at the establishment had been contaminated with the same strain of listeria responsible for the outbreak.
While most individuals who consume listeria-contaminated food do not develop serious illness, health officials are advising pregnant women, individuals aged 65 or older, and those who are immunocompromised and consumed a milkshake at the restaurant between May 29 and August 7 to contact their healthcare provider.
“The milkshake machines will be kept out of service until the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department determines they are free of listeria contamination and no longer pose a danger to the public,” declared the Washington State Department of Health.
The news of the outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with food-borne illnesses and the importance of food safety protocols to safeguard public health.