The CEO of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams says the recall of all Jeni’s products will cost the company more than $2.5 million. John Lowe warns consumers not to eat any frozen Jeni’s products.
Listeria contamination was first detected last week in a pint of Jeni’s Dark Chocolate after sampling was conducted in Nebraska. Late Friday, Lowe released a statement saying listeria was found in the company’s Columbus production facility.
Listeria eradication efforts continue at the company’s production kitchen in Columbus. Lowe said Tuesday that the company will destroy 265 tons of ice cream; enough to fill 15 semi-trucks.
Lowe says it’s still not known how long the Columbus production facility would remain shut down.
The lot number of the product that began the inquiry is 5-025-201 and is stamped on the bottom of the containers.
Jeni’s employs 575 people. Lowe says the company has taken steps to provide partial pay for team members who are missing work as a result of the temporary closures, both in the company’s production facility and at its retail locations, and is maintaining their health benefits.
Lowe says the company has slashed budgets and spending in an effort to avoid layoffs. He said the company is trying “…to subsist without revenue, face the very meaningful costs of the recall, and determine just how long our production kitchen will be down.”