Summary:
- Listeria outbreak linked to ice cream machines at Frugals Tacoma location due to improper cleaning.
- Three deaths and six hospitalizations reported; Listeria thrives in cool, moist environments.
- Washington State Department of Health advises patrons with symptoms to seek medical attention.
Health officials say they found the Listeria bacteria in one of the ice cream machines at the Frugals restaurant due to the machine not being cleaned correctly. The restaurant chain says it stopped all milkshake sales, but a food safety attorney suggests it may already be too late.
The Frugals drive-through in Parkland has become a hotspot for residents like Lorinda Roybal, who frequents the restaurant. However, a recent turn of events has shocked patrons as the Washington State Department of Health announced the discovery of Listeria in the ice cream machines on Friday. The contamination has affected all milkshake flavors due to improper cleaning of the machines. Tragically, three individuals have died, and six others have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak. Listeria thrives in cool, moist environments, which is why outbreaks are commonly associated with products like cheeses, deli meats, salads, and ice cream.
If you visited the Frugals Tacoma location and consumed a milkshake between May 29th and August 7th, health authorities recommend reaching out to a healthcare provider if symptoms develop. Despite the concern, other Frugals locations are not believed to be impacted by the outbreak.