October 9, 1997
In response to an announcement by the Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream on 9.10.97 of the voluntary withdrawal of all Dreyer's ice cream bars (Cookies 'N Cream; Vanilla and Almond) from sale at Hong Kong market, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said:
"The Department of Health supports the action taken by the company as all Dreyer's ice cream bars are produced in the same plant in Dallas, Texas.
"Earlier, the Department found bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, in two samples of Dreyer's Cookies 'N Ice Cream Bar on sale here.
"It is understood that production at the Dallas plant has already been voluntarily suspended since the incident to facilitate investigation.
"There is no evidence so far to indicate that other Dreyer's products manufactured at other locations in the United States are affected.
"The Department of Health is currently testing samples of the full range of Dreyer's ice cream products taken in the course of investigation of the incident. Laboratory results are expected soon and will be announced.
"Retailers are asked to comply with the withdrawal notice of the company and stop the sale of all Dreyer's ice cream bars.
"Public who may have purchased Dreyer's ice cream bars are advised to return them for refund or replacement according to arrangements made by the company.
"The bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, is more commonly associated with other food such as soft cheese and ready-to-eat food. It usually will not cause illness in most people. In others, particularly the young, the old and pregnant women, it may present with fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In more severe cases, it can cause infection of the brain and meningitis. The disease can also cause abortions in pregnant women."
"No reports of any persons being affected by Listeria monocytogenes have been received so far."