Jeni's closes 2 Chicago ice cream stores, recalls all products amid Listeria concerns

WASHINGTON (WLS) -- Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams of Ohio has voluntarily recalled all of its products and closed stores across the country, including two in Chicago.

Both local Jeni's shops - one on Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park and another on Southport Ave. in Lakeview - were closed on Thursday.

"Oh, they have great ice cream!" said Sean Kelley, a Jeni's customer.

But it's not for sale right now. At Jeni's on Southport, signs say they're closed a few days.

"Disappointing, obviously, because people are coming out just to get ice cream and then it's closed," said Leah Mayer, a Jeni's customer.

Jeni's announced the news on its website after Nebraska's agricultural department discovered listeria in a random sample. The CEO responded saying, in part: "We have decided to recall everything ... until we are 100% confident every item we sell is safe."

"I guess I appreciate them being open about it and forthcoming about what's going on. I think that's better than covering anything up," said Chelsea Kelley, a Jeni's customer.

Jeni's closed 21 stores in seven cities coast-to-coast, even though doctors say Listeria is not a threat to everyone.

"Most healthy people do not get sick from Listeria. People who need to be concerned are the extremes of age: young children, the elderly, pregnant woman, especially and someone who has a weak immune system," said Dr. Christina Long, Loyola University Medical Center.

Symptoms include fever, chills, severe headache and vomiting. Jeni's says it's not aware of anyone getting sick but wants to keep customers safe. And most of them said they plan to return.

"Oh, I would definitely come back," Kelley said. "Their ice cream is delicious."

If you've purchased any Jeni's products at grocery stores, you can return them for a full refund. Anyone who may feel sick or has medical concerns is asked to consult your doctor.