Over 35 Retail Chains Affected by Listeria-Related Ice Cream Recall

January 2018 began with an expansive recall of frozen ice cream treats due to potential listeria contaminations. Now, the recall has expanded from less than 400 cases to about 29,000 cases in more than 35 retail chains across America.

So far there have been no illnesses reported in connection to the potentially listeria-contaminated products. However, more products have been tested and confirmed to have these potentially-deadly bacteria, causing Fieldbrook Foods Corp. to expand its recall. The entire 2017 production of certain products under the company’s portfolio have to be recalled because of the pathogen’s ability to survive extended periods of time in freezing conditions.

The expansive line of affected products has officials concerned about retailers who are still selling them unknowingly. Consumers will receive a full refund if they return these products to the store of purchase.

“There is no evidence of any contamination prior to Oct. 31, 2017, but the company has issued the recall back to Jan. 1, 2017, through an abundance of caution and in full cooperation with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration),” said the recall notice posted on the FDA website.

“The company has suspended production and distribution of all products produced on this production line while it cooperates with the FDA to fully investigate the source of the problem.”

According to the company, their “Hoyer 1 Line” in Dunkirk, NY, is the only production line (out of their three plants) affected. The recalls include orange cream bars, raspberry cream bars and chocolate coated vanilla cream bars. These products have production dates from Jan. 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2017. The best before dates for these ice creams range from Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2018, with some products under The Hood and Kemps brand having dates until June 30, 2019.

Those who may have consumed contaminated products are advised to seek medical attention immediately. It can take up to 70 days after exposure to these bacteria for symptoms to develop, so consumers are advised to monitor their health in the coming days.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and dangerous symptoms that sometimes lead to fatalities in children, elderly people and those who have weakened immune systems. Healthy consumers may experience short-term illnesses such as fevers, headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The bacteria can also lead to still births in women who are pregnant.

The following recalled products are listed in the FDA chart here.