All Rolf’s Patisserie desserts made since November 1 have caused a recent outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) food poisoning, and have been recalled, the FDA announced. Some of the products may have been repackaged and sold under different labels in wholesale, retail and online markets, as well as to institutions. If you have purchased any Rolf’s Patisserie deserts involved in this recall, do not eat them and make sure they are disposed of in a sealed container so that other humans, pets and wild animals are not at risk of infection.

100 reported cases of food poisoning emanating from four separate events in November and December have been reported so far. Seventy cases came from one event in Wisconsin, while the rest came from three events in Illinois, authorities inform.

Signs and symptoms of food poisoning (gastroenteritis) typically occur one to six hours after becoming infected (after eating the tainted food) – in some rare cases, Staphylococcal can cause illness within 30 minutes. Common symptoms include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • stomachache
  • headache (in more severe cases)
  • muscle cramping (in more severe cases)
  • temporary fluctuations in blood pressure (in more severe cases)
  • temporary fluctuations in heartbeat (in more severe cases)

In the majority of cases the infected person has mild symptoms and makes a full recovery in two to three days. Some individuals however, can develop complications and require medical treatment, especially those who are very young or very old.

Rolf’s products include cakes, tortes, wedding cakes, truffles, cobblers, decorated cookies, pies, tarts and pastries. Unfortunately, some produce may not have the company’s labeling on them. They are sold through bakery catering services, online, and through wholesalers and retailers (shops).

The FDA says it is liaising with the IDPH (Illinois Dept of Public Health) – their main priority at the moment is to get hold of a distribution list. Some business and individual consumers may have bought the goods for the Christmas holidays. The FDA says people should ask where the dessert is from, and not eat Rolf’s produce that was made after November 1.

Rolf’s Patisserie is currently getting in touch with all retailers, caterers and restaurants to make sure people do not consume them. The company has ceased production and distribution.

The FDA says it is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State of Illinois Cook County depts. Of public health.

In a communiqué, the IDPH wrote:

    “Initial laboratory testing shows one food item to be contaminated with high levels of Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection). Food can become contaminated if a person with a staph infection has an uncovered lesion or sore that comes in contact with food or food processing equipment. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and its toxin can contaminate foods or equipment.”

Sources: FDA, IDPH

Written by Christian Nordqvist