In what is likely to dampen the spirits of ice cream lovers across the country, a wide-ranging recall has been issued on several popular ice cream brands due to a potential Listeria contamination. The brands in question are Hershey’s, Jeni’s, and Friendly’s, well-known names in the realm of sweet treats and desserts. This recall is a result of an announcement made by the supplier of these brands, the Schaumburg Illinois firm, Velvet Ice Cream.
This expansion of an already large recall demonstrates the determination of Velvet Ice Cream to maintain the integrity and safety of the products reaching their consumers. The company’s priority lies in ensuring the wellbeing of its customers and it has hence taken immediate actions following a routine sampling program by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in some of the ice cream products.
Hershey’s have had to issue recalls for four of their products that they have on the market. This includes their ‘Chocolate Pretzel Salted Caramel’ and ‘Dark Chocolate Raspberry’ flavors of 48 oz tubs and 3-gallon tubs, along with their ‘Sticks Salted Caramel’ and ‘Sticks Cookies & Cream’ popsicle type products. These products were being sold across a wide range of states in the country.
Jeni’s Ice Cream, another wholesome dessert provider, has also not been spared. This recall encompasses three of their products – ‘Texas Sheet Cake’, ‘Gooey Butter Cake’, and ‘Banoffee Pie’ ice cream tubs. It is important to note that these specific varieties were distributed nationally and unfortunately had tested positive for this potentially fatal infectious organism.
Friendly’s has additionally issued a recall for ‘Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream’ – 48 oz tubs, a beloved product for mint chocolate indulgences, clearing these from shelves following the alert. This recall extends to varied parts of the east coast, including states from Maine to Florida.
Listeria monocytogenes is a lurking danger that can cause severe and possibly fatal infections in those particularly vulnerable such as young children, the elderly, and others with weakened immune systems. Even healthy individuals may suffer from high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which can be distressing and debilitating. Among pregnant women, Listeria infections can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths.
Customers who have any of the recalled products are being urged not to consume them and to dispose of them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The company’s consumer relations department has meanwhile been proactively reaching out to all their retailers to ensure the swift removal of the affected products.
Velvet ice cream has expressed deep regret over this unforeseen situation and is committed to the continuous monitoring and ensuring of the safety of all its products. The firm takes potential health risks extremely seriously and, in collaboration with the FDA, intends to follow structured procedures to make sure a similar scenario is not repeated in the future. This unfortunate event underscores the significance of stringent safety checks and regular monitoring in the food industry to ensure the health and well-being of consumers nationwide.