Popular business fined $4million after one woman dies and another miscarries in horror listeria outbreak

A RECENT health crisis at a dessert chain has resulted in the death of one woman and the miscarriage of another, prompting legal action.

Big Olaf Creamery, a Florida-based ice cream company, has been forced to pay millions over a Listeria outbreak in its products.

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The dairy will reportedly pay $4 million to the family of Illinois resident Mary Billman, 79, whose death was linked to the company’s contamination situation, according to NBC News.

Billman’s estate had filed a wrongful death lawsuit, describing her as the “matriarch” of a large family.

“Her pain and suffering and the resulting death and ultimate loss to her family and friends cannot be underestimated,” the lawsuit reads.

The official ruling on the case came from Judge William Jung during an evidence hearing on Jan. 20, according to the news channel.

The 79-year-old reportedly has three children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was also the primary caregiver for her husband, who had dementia.

The listeria outbreak spread across several states last year, resulting in at least 28 Americans being affected by the bacteria.

Tragically, one of those affected suffered a miscarriage during the outbreak.

In 2022, Florida authorities conducted an investigation at Big Olaf’s facilities in Sarasota, according to NBC News.

They shut down the company and ordered recalls at the time.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) soon conducted its investigation and issued a warning letter to the company on December 9th.

According to the FDA, Big Olaf Creamery “seriously” violated United States health regulations.

“The presence of [listeria-linked bacteria] in your facility and products is significant in that it shows your hygiene efforts are inadequate to effectively control pathogens in your facility and prevent food contamination,” the administration said.

Listeria is a bacterium that causes listeriosis in humans and usually affects pregnant women and the elderly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“The disease primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with compromised immune systems,” the CDC said.

“It’s rare for people in other groups to get Listeria infection.”

The dairy will also reportedly pay $1 million in punitive damages.

The US Sun has reached out to Big Olaf Creamery for official comment on the Listeria outbreak and Judge William Jung’s ruling.

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