Listeria Threat Prompts Widespread Ice Cream Recall
Published: June 27, 2024
On June 26, 2024, a significant ice cream recall was announced due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This recall affects over 60 ice cream products from popular brands like Hershey's, Friendly's, Chipwich, and Jeni's. The recall has been issued as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the bacteria, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in vulnerable populations, including young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, an infection with symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. For pregnant women, it can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1,600 people get infected with listeriosis annually in the United States, resulting in approximately 260 deaths.
The recall affects various products, including ice cream, cakes, and novelty items sold under the mentioned brands. Some of these products were distributed nationwide, making it crucial for consumers to check their freezers and discard any affected items or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
This recall follows similar incidents earlier this year. For example, Abilyn’s Frozen Bakery recalled its ice cream cakes sold at Wegmans due to potential Listeria contamination detected on their production line. The affected products had a best-by date between April 20, 2024, and April 20, 2025. Additionally, Real Kosher Ice Cream issued a recall for its Soft Serve On The Go cups, distributed in nearly 20 states, after two people were hospitalized due to listeriosis.
Totally Cool has recalled various products over listeria concerns, including several from Abilyn's Frozen Bakery, such as Vanilla & Chocolate, "For Love of Chocolate," "Cookies & Cream," and "Cookie Dough" Ice Cream Cakes, with best-by dates between May 20, 2024, and May 28, 2025.
Some of the companies that recalled their products include:
AMAFruits recalled 3-gallon Acai and Dragon Fruit Sorbet Tubs, and ChipWich recalled Vanilla Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches and Pints.
Cumberland Farms recalled Vanilla and Mint Ice Cream Sandwiches, and Dolcezza Gelato recalled various 16-fl-oz pints.
Friendly's recalled Celebration and Strawberry Krunch Ice Cream Cakes. The Frozen Farmer recalled Elf On the Shelf Ice Cream Sandwiches and various sorbet pints.
Hershey's recalled multiple ice cream cakes, cones, and sandwiches. Jeni's recalled several frozen desserts. LaSalle's recall includes various 16 fl oz ice cream pints.
Marco recalled Dulce De Leche's Ice Cream Sandwiches and multiple pints, and Taharka recalled Honey Graham and Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Pints.
Yelloh! recalled various ice cream cones and sandwiches. Consumers should discard or return these products for a refund.
People who have consumed recalled products are urged to remain vigilant and monitor themselves for symptoms of listeriosis. If they have any questions or concerns, individuals can contact the respective companies or refer to the FDA’s recall announcements for detailed information on the affected products and steps to take.
You can visit the FDA’s official website or contact the ice cream brands directly through their customer service hotlines for more information. This precautionary recall highlights the importance of food safety and the measures companies must take to protect public health.