Owings Mills, Maryland-based Totally Cool, Inc. has issued a nationwide recall of several ice cream products due to the potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (“Listeria”). Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Background
This recall comes after recent FDA sampling detected the presence of Listeria in certain products.
The affected products were distributed across the United States and were available through both retail locations and direct delivery services.
Totally Cool, Inc. has halted production and distribution of the affected items and is currently investigating the issue and implementing preventive measures to ensure food safety.
Product Details
- Consumers can identify the recalled items by checking the date and plant information on the product packaging.
- Brands affected include certain flavors of Friendly’s, Abilyn’s Frozen Bakery, Hershey’s Ice Cream, Yelloh!, Jeni’s, Cumberland Farms, The Frozen Farmer, Marco, ChipWich, AMAFruits, Taharka, Dolcezza Gelato, and LaSalle
- A full list of recalled brands, products, and affected lots can be found on the FDA’s website here.
Consumer Action
Consumers should search their freezers for the recalled ice cream products.
As with all food recalls, the recalled products should not be consumed even if they smell or look safe to eat.
Consumers in possession of any of the recalled ice cream products should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The company said that no other Totally Cool, Inc. products are affected by this recall.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the company at 410-363-7801 or via email at [email protected] from 8 am to 4 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
Health Risks
Fortunately, no illnesses or adverse injuries have been reported to date in connection with these products. However, consumers who are experiencing symptoms of Listeria infection should contact a medical provider immediately.
Listeriosis is an infection that causes fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, and muscle aches and is caused by the consumption of food contaminated by bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Unlike other strains of bacteria, listeria multiplies in foods stored in the refrigerator. Pasteurization and thorough cooking are the most effective methods of killing the bacteria and preventing infection.
The people most commonly affected by listeriosis include pregnant women, newborns, individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and cancer patients.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “ There are significant potential risks associated with consuming contaminated products. Consumers are advised to stay informed about food recalls by regularly visiting sites like www.fda.gov or Food Poisoning News.”
