Bacteria, Viruses, and Parasites and Food-Borne Illnesses

Salmonella is by far the most common bacteria found in frozen desserts, particularly egg-based ice creams and gelatos in which the eggs were mishandled at some point during production (cross contamination, or they were not heated above the danger zone during cooking).

The following is a list of bacteria, viruses, and parasites (and their most common sources found in ingredients used to make frozen desserts) that can live and thrive in frozen desserts in their liquid state and can remain alive even through freezing. Sanitary environments and practices will prevent their reproduction, propagation, and food contamination.