Around this time of year, one of the most popular treats to enjoy at the end of a long, hot day is a delicious and fun ice cream bar. However, you’re going to want to be extra careful with which ones you choose to buy over the next few weeks.
Whether you’re grabbing an ice cream bar from a neighborhood ice cream truck or stocking up on some to keep in your freezer, the frozen treat served on a stick is super loved around this time of year. But now, some of those go-to ice cream bars may be included in a nationwide recall happening right now. The Food and Drug Administration recently announced a recall across several states for 10 flavors of ice cream bars that may pose a risk for listeria. Some of your favorite ice cream bar flavors may be affected, so read more about the recall and what to do if you bought a recalled box of bars below.
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The FDA Issues A Nationwide Recall Of Over 100,000 Cases Of Ice Cream Bars
Rich's Ice Cream Bar, a manufacturer famous for making and selling various frozen dessert products across the nation, recently issued a voluntary recall for over 100,000 cases of ice cream bars, according to the FDA. In their statement, the FDA noted that this is a recall taking place across several states, and that the bars are being recalled due to "potential listeria contamination."
For those who may not know, listeria is a harmful bacteria that's often found in foods like deli meats, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized milk, but it can also show up in other types of food products. Eating contaminated food with listeria can cause listeriosis, an illness that leads to symptoms like fever, nausea, and muscle aches. It can be especially dangerous for pregnant people, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Exactly 110,292 cases of ice cream bars ranging in flavors from Rich's Ice Cream were recalled on June 27th, and the issue was bumped up to a Class II recall, which, by the FDA's standards, means the products may "cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences." According to the FDA statement, the following states are affected by this recall: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
What To Do If You Purchased A Recalled Box Of Ice Cream Bars
The recalled ice cream bars were shipped out in several different fan-favorite flavors, so if you tend to purchase products from Rich's for your home or even your local ice cream business, it's best to pay attention to the details.
Some of the ice cream bar flavors include the Strawberry Shortcake Bar, Crumbled Cookie Bar, Chocolate Crunch Cake Bar, and more. You can read more about the specific boxes, and lot numbers recalled for the listeria risk here. If, after taking a look at the information provided by the FDA, you believe you purchased a box of recalled ice cream bars, you should discard them right away or try to take them back to where it was purchased for a refund. The affected lot numbers, which should be located on the product's packaging, range from #24351 to #25156.
Given that there are so many products being affected, you won't want to take the risk of consuming a listeria-contaminated product, and you should definitely avoid eating them at all costs. As of right now, the FDA has not reported any consumer illnesses from the recall, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
If you're an avid ice cream lover, be sure to check your freezer and be extra vigilant.
