More than 70 ice cream products, including popular brands such as Friendly’s, Hershey’s, and Jeni’s, have been recalled after tests revealed potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall has prompted widespread action, with manufacturers halting production and distribution of affected products.
The recall, which involves ice cream cakes, cones, and sandwiches, is a precautionary measure taken after concerns about possible listeria contamination. The FDA has warned that Listeria monocytogenes can be fatal, especially to young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Affected Products and Brands
Among the affected products are Friendly’s ice cream cakes, Hershey’s ice cream cones, and Jeni’s ice cream sandwiches, which were sold both in stores and through direct-to-consumer deliveries. The full list of impacted products includes:
- 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
Consumers who purchased these items are urged to return them for a full refund or dispose of them immediately.
Impact on Producers
Totally Cool, a Maryland-based company that manufactures ice cream for multiple brands, including Taharka Brothers Ice Cream, has suspended the production and distribution of its products. Although no listeria was detected in the ice cream produced at Totally Cool, the company has complied with the FDA’s request for a full recall.
In a statement, Taharka Brothers clarified that although their Honey Graham and Key Lime ice cream flavors were produced by Totally Cool, the products themselves have not been contaminated. The company has since resumed production at its own facility.
Health Risks and Symptoms
Listeria can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations. Healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as high fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as listeria infection can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths.
The FDA advises anyone who suspects they may have consumed contaminated products to seek medical advice, especially if they experience any symptoms. Listeria infections typically manifest within 24 hours of consumption and can last for several days or even weeks, depending on the severity.
Rare but Serious Threat
While listeria outbreaks are relatively rare in the U.S., previous cases have been linked to contaminated unpasteurized milk and cheese, raw vegetables, fruits, undercooked meats, and, more recently, ice cream. The CDC reports that approximately 1,600 cases of listeriosis are diagnosed annually in the United States, with 260 fatalities linked to the infection.
As of June 24, no illnesses related to the recalled products have been reported, but the investigation into the source of contamination is ongoing. The affected products were distributed nationwide, prompting a thorough recall process.
Consumers are advised to check their freezers and return or dispose of any potentially contaminated products immediately to avoid health risks.
See Also:
- Why Is Dairy Queen So Successful?
- How Many Dairy Queens Are There in the World?
- Who Owns Dairy Queen? An In-Depth Look at the Ice Cream Empire
