A Maryland-based ice cream manufacturer, Totally Cool, Inc., is recalling a variety of ice cream products due to potential listeria contamination, according to an announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall affects over 70 products, including popular brands such as Friendly’s and Hershey’s ice cream cakes. The FDA’s sampling at Totally Cool revealed that the products “have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.” Despite the risks associated with listeria, no illnesses have been reported in connection to the potential contamination thus far.
Impact on Taharka Brothers Ice Cream
Taharka Brothers Ice Cream, one of the companies affected by the recall, stated that it was “immediately” bringing production of two of its ice cream flavors back in-house after previously outsourcing it to Totally Cool.
“While no listeria has been detected in our ice cream or any of the icecream produced at Totally Cool, the FDA is requiring a full recall out of an abundance of caution,” the company said in a statement.
This recall follows a series of listeria-related recalls in the food industry. Earlier this year, snack foods linked to California’s Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. were recalled due to listeria fears ahead of Super Bowl Sunday. Last year, Vermont-based Wilcox Ice recalled its products over similar concerns.
FDA’s precautionary measures
The FDA’s proactive approach aims to prevent any potential health risks associated with listeria contamination. Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are advised to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The FDA continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary to ensure public health and safety. For a complete list of the recalled products and further information, consumers can visit the FDA’s official website.