A nationwide recall of ice cream, ice cream sandwiches, and gelato has impacted several major grocery chains, including Walmart, Target, Publix, and others. The recall, initiated by the manufacturer Totally Cool, affects 13 brands due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious health issues.
According to the recall notice from Totally Cool, the company ceased production and distribution of the affected products following the detection of Listeria in FDA samples. The company is currently investigating the source of contamination and implementing preventive measures.
Listeria infection is a significant public health concern, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that approximately 1,600 people are infected with the bacteria annually in the U.S. Listeria can cause severe illnesses, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children under five, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headaches, and in severe cases, it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or death.
The following retailers are affected by the recall, which includes various ice cream products with best-by dates ranging from 2024 to 2025:
Walmart: Friendly’s Strawberry Krunch Cake Vanilla Flavored, Celebration Blue Round Ice Cream Cake with Confetti (Best by: 05/20/2024 to 05/28/2025)
Target: Chipwich Frozen Original Vanilla Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich (Best by: 02/23/25 to 12/21/25)
Publix: Chipwich Chocolate Chip Sandwich (Best by: 02/23/25 to 12/21/25)
The Fresh Market: Chipwich Frozen Original Vanilla Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich (Best by: 02/23/25 to 12/21/25)
Food Lion: Chipwich Frozen Original Vanilla Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich (Best by: 02/23/25 to 12/21/25)
Hannaford: Various Chipwich Ice Cream Sandwich lots (Best by: 02/23/25 to 12/21/25)
Stop & Shop: Chipwich Original Vanilla Chocolate Chip and Double Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches (Best by: 02/23/25 to 12/21/25)
Cumberland Farms: Farmhouse Premium Ice Cream Sandwiches, both Vanilla and Marvelous Mint (Best by: 11/30/25 to 12/04/25)
Other products, including various gelato pints from Dolcezza and Marco Ice Cream, are also included in the recall. Consumers who have purchased these items are urged to return them to the store for a full refund or dispose of them safely to prevent any risk to pets.
This recall underscores the importance of food safety and highlights the potential dangers of foodborne illnesses like listeria. Shoppers who have purchased the affected products are encouraged to act quickly to avoid any health risks.
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