Big Olaf Ice Cream Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Big Olaf Ice Cream Lawsuit Overview

The lawsuits against Big Olaf Creamery, including wrongful death and injury claims, involve severe Listeria infections linked to their ice cream products. Primary allegations center on the company’s failure to maintain proper sanitation measures in their Sarasota production facility, as evidenced by FDA and FDACS findings, resulting in a widespread Listeria outbreak. 

At least 28 people, ranging in age from less than 1 year old to 92, were infected in the outbreak, with one confirmed death and one reported fetal loss. FDA and CDC investigations, supported by FDACS testing, confirmed Listeria monocytogenes contamination in multiple ice cream samples and the Sarasota production environment.

Related Article: Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Update

Latest Big Olaf Lawsuit Updates

January 24, 2023 – According to Food Safety News, a judge ordered Big Olaf Creamery to pay $4 million in damages after the company’s ice cream was linked to a deadly Listeria outbreak that claimed the life of a pregnant woman [1].

July 2, 2022 – The Florida Department of Health issued a safety alert regarding Big Olaf products after the CDC linked the ice cream to a multi-state listeria outbreak. Consumers were advised to discard any remaining Big Olaf ice cream products they had at home.

Woman Who Miscarried Files Lawsuit Against Big Olaf: FOX News Video

CDC Reports and Statistics

According to CDC reports [2], the Listeria outbreak linked to Big Olaf ice cream products, concluded in November 2022, resulted in:

• 28 confirmed cases of Listeria infection across 11 states
• 27 hospitalizations
• 1 confirmed death attributed to the contamination
• 1 reported pregnancy loss among 7 pregnancy-related cases

Testing by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) found Listeria monocytogenes in 10 environmental samples from the Big Olaf production facility and in 16 of 17 ice cream flavors tested, prompting a state-mandated shutdown of operations in July 2022, with FDA support during the investigation

Big Olaf Ice Cream Injuries & Side Effects

Listeria infection is a foodborne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women, people older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems.

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, diarrhea, and severe stomach cramps
• Systemic Infection: Fever, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue
• Neurological Complications: Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions
• Pregnancy Complications: Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn

Do You Qualify for a Big Olaf Ice Cream Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Big Olaf Ice Cream lawsuit if:

• You consumed Big Olaf ice cream products between January 2021 and July 2022
• You experienced symptoms of listeria infection within 70 days of consumption
• Your illness required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide documentation of your purchase or consumption of Big Olaf products
• You have medical records confirming a diagnosis of listeria infection

Evidence Required for a Big Olaf Ice Cream Lawsuit

To successfully pursue a claim, you will need to provide:

• Medical records documenting your listeria diagnosis
• Proof of purchase of Big Olaf ice cream (receipts, credit card statements)
• Documentation of medical expenses related to your illness
• Evidence linking your illness to the contaminated product

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of the Big Olaf listeria outbreak may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses related to treatment
• Lost wages due to inability to work
• Pain and suffering experienced during illness
• Punitive damages against the manufacturer
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones

Big Olaf Ice Cream Recall Information

Following the Listeria outbreak, Big Olaf Creamery recalled all flavors, lots, and expiration dates of ice cream products through June 30, 2022, under pressure from state and federal authorities, effective July 13, 2022. The recall affected products sold at numerous retail locations, restaurants, and institutions throughout Florida, as well as one location in Fredericksburg, Ohio. The FDA advised consumers not to consume Big Olaf products, to discard them immediately, and to clean any areas, containers, and serving utensils that may have touched the contaminated ice cream.

Statute of Limitations for Big Olaf Ice Cream Lawsuits

The time limit to file a Big Olaf ice cream lawsuit varies by state. In Florida, where the company is based, the statute of limitations for product liability claims is generally four years from the date of injury. However, in cases of wrongful death, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. For victims in other states, different timeframes may apply.

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See all related food poisoning lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.

FAQs

1. What Is the Big Olaf Ice Cream Lawsuit About?

The lawsuit involves claims against Big Olaf Creamery due to a Listeria outbreak linked to their ice cream products.

2. What Is Listeria?

Listeria is a harmful bacteria that can cause severe illness, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

3. Has There Been a Recall of Big Olaf Ice Cream Products?

Yes, there has been a recall of certain Big Olaf ice cream products due to potential Listeria contamination.

4. What Happened to Big Olaf Ice Cream?

Big Olaf ice cream faced a major health crisis when Listeria, a harmful pathogen, was discovered in 10 environmental samples from their production facility and in 16 out of 17 flavors tested. This led to a state-mandated shutdown of their operations. On July 2, 2022, the CDC advised consumers to discard any remaining Big Olaf ice cream products they had at home.

5. What Was the Settlement Reached in the Lawsuit Against Big Olaf Creamery?

The settlement reached in the lawsuit against Big Olaf Creamery involved a $4 million wrongful death award. This legal action was taken after Listeria, a dangerous pathogen, was found in multiple flavors of their ice cream and in the production facility. This led to serious health consequences and, ultimately, the closure of the operation.

6. Where is Big Olaf Ice Cream Sold?

Big Olaf products, which are made at a local creamery near the Amish village of Pinecraft, are sold at 15 retail locations throughout Florida, including Sarasota, Venice, Clearwater Beach, and St. Augustine.

7. How Long After Eating Contaminated Ice Cream Can Symptoms Appear?

Symptoms of listeria infection might begin a few days after consuming contaminated food, but it can take up to 70 days before the first signs of infection begin to appear.

8. Can I File a Lawsuit If I Get Sick from Big Olaf Ice Cream?

Yes, if you consumed Big Olaf ice cream and subsequently developed a listeria infection that required medical treatment, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries.

9. How Much Compensation Can I Receive for a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?

Compensation varies based on the severity of your illness, medical expenses incurred, lost wages, and other factors. The wrongful death case related to this outbreak resulted in a $4 million settlement.

10. How Can I Prove I Got Sick from Big Olaf Ice Cream?

Proving your case typically requires medical documentation of your listeria diagnosis, proof of purchase of the contaminated product, and evidence linking your illness to the outbreak time frame.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries related to the Big Olaf listeria outbreak. In most states, you have only 2-4 years from the date of injury to file a claim. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Payment only if we win your case and secure compensation for you

Our experienced food poisoning attorneys have successfully represented victims of numerous foodborne illness outbreaks across the country and can help you navigate the complex legal process.

Get a Free Big Olaf Ice Cream Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Ice Cream Contamination Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new listeria infection cases in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one had symptoms of food poisoning after eating recalled ice cream, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a lawsuit and our food poisoning lawyers can help.

References:

[1] https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/01/judge-grants-4-million-in-wrongful-death-suit-against-big-olaf-creamery/ 

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/monocytogenes-06-22/index.html