A major ice cream manufacturer in the United States has recalled their products across the country, just as peak Summer temperatures hit.
Maryland’s Totally Cool Inc., which is responsible for manufacturing some of the most popular ice cream products in the US, has recalled products due to a risk of contamination with the potentially fatal listeria monocytogenes bacterium.
What is Listeriosis?
Listeria monocytogenes are organisms that can cause potentially fatal infections among the elderly, very young and those who are immuno-compromised.
Among healthy adults, Listeria infections can still cause headaches, stiffness, diarrhea, and nausea. For pregnant women, it can cause stillbirth and miscarriages.
What Ice Creams Have Been Recalled?
The full list of brands impacted by 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, and LaSalle.
Not all products from these brands are impacted. The products included in the recall, which can be found in full here, are ice cream cakes, ice cream pints and more.
What The FDA Say
In a statement announcing the recall, the FDA said, “Totally Cool, Inc. has ceased the production and distribution of the affected products due to FDA sampling which discovered the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.”
They added, “The company continues its investigation and is taking preventive actions. No other products produced by Totally Cool, Inc. are impacted by this recall.”
What To Do With Recalled Products?
Anyone with the recalled products in their possession should not eat them and instead return them to their place of purchase for a full refund.
Those with queries about the recall can email Totally Cool, Inc. at [email protected] or ring them from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. ET Monday-Friday at 410-363-7801.
Impacted Company Speaks Out
One of the company’s impacted by the recall, Jeni’s Ice Cream, said, “Totally Cool, a Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams supplier that produced Jeni’s Frozen Dessert Sandwiches, has found Listeria monocytogenes in their production facility and has initiated a recall of all products made in that location.”
They added, “Listeria was not found in Jeni’s Frozen Dessert Sandwiches, nor the equipment used to produce the products; however, out of an abundance of caution, Jeni’s is voluntarily recalling all Sandwiches as requested by Totally Cool. No other Jeni’s products are produced in this facility.”
Listeriosis in the US
While no cases of listeriosis have been reported from consuming the recalled ice cream, the risk remains. The FDA says it is continuing to take preventative action and is continuing to investigate the matter.
It is estimated that around 1,600 people get listeriosis every year in the US, with 260 people dying annually from the infection.
Social Media Reacts To Recall
With many cities in America recording record high temperatures this month, the timing of the recall has frustrated many. One social media user posted, “With temperatures in the 100s for many parts of the U.S. the timing couldn’t be any worse.”
Others took a more comical tone, however. One Twitter/X user joked, “I just overhead on the news NATIONWIDE ICE CREAM RECALL?… This modern world and receiving all the messages of horrific news from across the globe might not be for me”
A Busy Month For Recalls
June has seen many high-profile food recalls – including recent FDA recalls of dog treats from TDBBS and Pedigree dog food.
Meanwhile, Hy-Vee recently recalled cream cheese spreads and cookies and cream mixes due to fears of salmonella contamination.
Recalls on the rise
June is not the only month in recent times to have seen a high number of food recalls. Since 2018, the US has recorded a 115% increase in food and drink recalls.
Other recently recalled products include Charles Boggini Company sodas and various lead-contaminated children’s applesauce pouches.
