13 Ice Cream Brands Recalled in the US

Less than a week into summer, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a nationwide recall of various ice cream products. Totally Cool, a prominent ice cream manufacturer based in Owings Mills, Maryland, initiated a recall of all its ice cream products on Monday due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause severe infections.

13 Ice Cream Brands Recalled in the US
13 Ice Cream Brands Recalled in the US

The recall affects over 60 different products, including pints, ice cream cakes, and ice cream sandwiches. These products have been distributed across the country and were available in retail stores as well as through direct delivery.

Affected Ice Cream Brands

The 13 ice cream brands involved in the recall are:

  • Friendly’s
  • Abilyn’s Frozen Bakery
  • Hershey’s Ice Cream
  • Yelloh!
  • Jeni’s (ice cream sandwiches)
  • Cumberland Farms
  • The Frozen Farmer
  • Marco
  • ChipWich
  • AMAFruits
  • Taharka
  • Dolcezza Gelato
  • LaSalle

The FDA has released a comprehensive list detailing the date and plant information for all the impacted products. Consumers who have purchased these products can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Listeria monocytogenes poses significant health risks, especially to young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. According to the FDA, listeria infections can also result in miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

After discovering the presence of the bacteria in product samples, Totally Cool has ceased the production and distribution of the affected products.

Even in healthy individuals, a listeria infection can lead to severe symptoms such as high fever, intense headaches, muscle stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,600 people in the United States contract listeriosis annually, resulting in about 260 deaths each year.

The FDA emphasized that no illnesses have been reported in connection with this contamination so far. The agency is taking preventive measures and continues to investigate the issue.

This recall serves as a critical reminder of the potential dangers posed by foodborne pathogens. Consumers are urged to check their freezers and promptly return any affected products. The swift action by Totally Cool and the ongoing efforts by the FDA highlight the importance of food safety and the measures taken to protect public health.

The ice cream products, a staple of summer enjoyment, now bring a note of caution to consumers nationwide. The recall underscores the vigilance required in monitoring food products to prevent such incidents.

As investigations continue, updates will be provided by the FDA, and consumers are advised to stay informed about the status of their favorite brands. The cooperation between the manufacturer and regulatory bodies aims to ensure that such occurrences are minimized and handled swiftly to mitigate any health risks to the public.

While the summer season often brings a surge in ice cream sales, this incident may prompt consumers to be more cautious about the sources of their food products. It also highlights the role of stringent safety protocols and regular inspections in maintaining the integrity of the food supply chain.

For now, the priority remains on ensuring that all potentially contaminated products are removed from circulation and that any further risks are promptly addressed. The actions taken by Totally Cool and the FDA are crucial steps in safeguarding public health and restoring consumer confidence in these popular treats.