Milkshakes From Frugals Restaurant in Tacoma Linked to a Deadly Listeria Outbreak | Eater Seattle

"Linked to a listeria outbreak by a Washington State Department of Health investigation, the Tacoma location of the Frugals burger chain was found to have incorrectly cleaned ice cream machines that investigators determined were responsible for infections that resulted in six hospitalizations and three deaths. Two of the hospitalized people reported having Frugals milkshakes, prompting authorities to focus on the drive-thru stand; Frugals posted on Instagram that it was "deeply saddened" by the connection and said it had halted milkshake sales, sent the implicated machines away for thorough cleaning, and stopped milkshake sales at all seven of its Washington and Montana locations while testing. The company also said it will adopt enhanced cleaning, safety, and sanitation procedures across all products and stores; the Tacoma restaurant stopped using the machines on August 8. Health officials note listeria can take up to 70 days to cause illness and advise pregnant people, those over 65, or people with weakened immune systems who had a Frugals milkshake between May 29 and August 7 and show symptoms to contact their healthcare provider." - Harry Cheadle