Cold Stone recalls cake batter ice cream

Cold Stone Creamery has recalled one of its most popular flavors due to a salmonella outbreak in four states. The national chain, which has two Bloomington locations, acted with a voluntary recall after being informed by the Food and Drug Administration of a possible multi-state outbreak associated with their products early this month.\nThe cases were concentrated in four states: Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, and Washington. According to the FDA, 14 people have reported the illness in early May and June of this year. The problem is thought to result from the ice cream chain's popular "cake batter" flavor. The common denominator in all the illnesses was the consumption of the "cake batter" at a Cold Stone location. The company has advised all franchises, including the two local Bloomington stores, to keep that particular flavor on the shelf and out of consumers' hands until further notice. They also advise consumers who bought any assorted over-the-counter products containing "cake-batter" to dispose of them immediately.\nThe FDA is investigating into what caused the outbreak. The threat is thought to be triggered by ingredients used in the "cake batter" products, although there are no eggs used in that variety. The exact cause of the outbreak has still not become public. Local Cold Stone Creamery locations, however, were informed by corporate headquarters that the problem was likely caused by one of their suppliers, Gold Leaf. \nThere have been no reports of salmonella in Bloomington or Indiana, but the product was served in Indiana in the same time period as those who contracted the illness in other states. \n"As of right now we have no confirmed cases. But that doesn't mean there won't be any," said Indiana state department of health official Scott Gilliam. \nThe local effect of the outbreak is still to be seen. The recall has yet to affect Hoosiers, except those that will temporarily not be able to enjoy their favorite ice cream flavor.\nBoth Bloomington stores have reported no impact on business. Chauncey Hopkins, manager at the Cold Stone Creamery on Kirkwood, doesn't expect any long-term problems due to the recall. \n"We really haven't felt it at all," Hopkins said. "We expect this to be an isolated incident." Consumer spirits' haven't seemed to dampen either. Local ice cream lover Trevor Smith doesn't expect it to keep him from enjoying his favorite flavor again. \n"I eat it every time I go there, and I'll eat it again," he said.\nThis particular strain of salmonella is known as Salmonella Typhimurium. It is particularly harmful to children and the elderly. It can be potentially fatal to these groups because of weakened immune systems. Those suffering from this strain often experience symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and fever. People with healthy immune systems should recover, although, not without some obvious discomfort. The company advises anybody who feels they might be sick as a result of this to contact their doctor and local health department.