Major Ice Cream Recall Due to Listeria Contamination
A significant number of popular ice cream bars are being recalled due to concerns over contamination. Rich Ice Cream Co. has issued a recall for more than 110,292 cases of its various ice cream bars, as reported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The reason for the recall is the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness.
The affected products include several well-known flavors such as Chocolate Crunch Cake Bars, Strawberry Shortcake Bars, Rich Bars, Crumbled Cookie Bars, Orange Cream Bars, Fudge Frenzy Bars, Cotton Candy Twirl Bars, Savagely Sour Blue Raspberry Bars, Savagely Sour Cherry Bars, and Cool Watermelon Bars. These items have lot numbers ranging from 24351 to 25156. Consumers who purchased these products should not consume them and should dispose of them immediately.
The contaminated ice cream bars were sold in 23 U.S. states, including Alabama, Arizona, California, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Additionally, they were available in Nassau, Bahamas, a popular summer vacation destination.
The FDA has classified this recall as a Class II recall, which means that the use of or exposure to the product is not likely to cause serious health consequences. However, the agency still urges consumers to avoid eating the affected ice cream bars and to throw them away.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can contaminate a variety of foods. Infections caused by this bacteria can lead to invasive illnesses and intestinal issues. Listeria infections are the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, resulting in approximately 260 deaths annually.
This is not the first time frozen treats have been recalled in the U.S. this summer. Last month, Unilever Manufacturing voluntarily recalled 6,668 cases of Breyers Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream after it was discovered that the product actually contained Rocky Road ice cream. The recall was due to “undeclared allergens and mislabeled product,” as the Chocolate Truffle flavor had a label stating “may contain tree nuts,” while the Rocky Road flavor included almonds.
In May, Wells Dairy also issued a recall on over 17,000 tubs of 22 different types of ice cream and frozen yogurt, citing the possibility of plastic being present in the products. This further highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety across various brands and products.
Other food products have also faced recalls due to listeria risks. On July 17, Reser’s Fine Foods recalled a dozen tuna salad products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products were sold in stores such as Albertsons, Randalls, and Tom Thumb in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, as well as Jewel-Osco in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.
FDA officials advised anyone who purchased these tuna products to take extra precautions by thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the items to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
These recent recalls underscore the importance of vigilance when it comes to food safety. Consumers should remain informed about product recalls and take necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from potential health risks.
