An extensive recall has been initiated by a major ice cream manufacturer due to potential listeria contamination, as announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Totally Cool, Inc., based in Owings Mills, Maryland, has recalled products from over a dozen brands.
Possible Health Risk
These include Friendly’s, Hershey’s Ice Cream, Jeni’s, and the Frozen Farmer, citing a “possible health risk,” according to the FDA.
So far, there have been no reported illnesses, the FDA noted in its alert on Monday.
FDA’s Statement
“Totally Cool, Inc. has ceased the production and distribution of the affected products due to FDA sampling which discovered the presence of Listeria monocytogenes,” the FDA stated.
“The company continues its investigation and is taking preventive actions. No other products produced by Totally Cool, Inc. are impacted by this recall.”
Which Products Are Affected?
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ABC News has contacted Totally Cool for comments.
The complete list of recalled products is available here.
What Should Consumers Do?
These products were distributed nationwide, accessible in retail stores and via direct delivery.
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are advised to return them for a full refund or dispose of them.
Taharka Brothers
Taharka Brothers Ice Cream was one of the affected brands.
They disclosed that it had outsourced the production of two popular flavors—honey graham and key lime pie—to Totally Cool.
Cautionary Action
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“While no listeria has been detected in our ice cream, or any of the ice cream produced at Totally Cool, the FDA is requiring a full recall out of an abundance of caution,” Taharka stated.
“The company plans to begin producing the two flavors at its own facility “immediately.”
Chipwich
Chipwich is also among the brands affected by the recall.
Crave Better Foods announced on Monday that it operates a separate production line at the Totally Cool facility.
Ice-Cream Cookie Sandwiches Recalled
Crave Better Foods voluntarily recalled its vanilla chocolate chip Chipwich ice cream cookie sandwiches.
They said the recall was “out of an abundance of caution and care for the product and its loyal fans.”
Totally Cool Issued a Notice
Crave Better Foods reported receiving notice from the Totally Cool facility.
A “possible health issue” on a production line used for frozen ice cream cakes was their explanation.
Effects of Listeria
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Listeria monocytogenes can be deadly.
The FDA stated that it can be “serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems,”.
Symptoms To Look Out For
Symptoms of listeria infection include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
For pregnant women, listeria infection can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths.
