Fort Myers, Florida – Belgian Yummies, a Fort Myers-based company, has issued an urgent allergy alert following the discovery of undeclared allergens in their ice cream sandwiches and gelato products. These undisclosed ingredients pose a significant risk to individuals with specific allergies or sensitivities, prompting the recall.
Cause of Recall
The recall was prompted by a comprehensive inspection conducted by Belgian Yummies in conjunction with the Florida Department of Agriculture. The investigation revealed the presence of undeclared allergens, including coconut, egg, FD&C Yellow #5, peanuts, soy, and wheat, in the affected products. The use of outdated labels at the production facility led to this oversight.
Corrective Action
Upon discovery of the issue, Belgian Yummies swiftly took corrective measures by updating and rectifying the labels. Revised labels have been dispatched to wholesalers along with the recalled products.
Distribution
The impacted items were distributed exclusively in Florida through wholesale channels and were not available for purchase through retail outlets.
Affected Products
The recalled products include various flavors of ice cream sandwiches and gelato, each packaged in 4-ounce clear plastic or gold packaging. Specific details are as follows:
Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Belgian Yummies: Chocolate, Key Lime, Peanut Butter, Raspberry, Salted Caramel, and Vanilla flavors
Sofra: Chocolate and Vanilla flavors
Ria: Vanilla flavor
All variants of ice cream sandwiches listed above may contain undeclared allergens such as coconut, egg, peanuts, soy, and wheat.
Belgian Yummies Gelato:
Flavors: Birthday Cake, Horchata, and Strawberry
The Birthday Cake and Strawberry flavors may contain undeclared allergens FD&C Yellow #5 and wheat, respectively.
Horchata flavor may contain undeclared wheat.
The gelato products are packaged in various container sizes, including 5-liter gray containers and 4.75-liter gray pans, with an expiration date of August 31, 2024.
Risk Assessment
No illnesses have been reported thus far; however, consumers are urged to exercise caution. Individuals with allergies to coconut, egg, peanuts, soy, and wheat, or those sensitive to FD&C Yellow #5, are particularly at risk of severe or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.
Consumers who suspect exposure to the undeclared allergens should consult a healthcare provider immediately and remain vigilant for any symptoms of allergic reactions.
National food safety attorney Ron Simon emphasizes the importance of staying informed about such alerts to safeguard health and well-being. Consumers are advised to carefully scrutinize product labels, especially if they have food allergies or sensitivities.
