A staggering 1.5 billion gallons of ice cream and other frozen desserts are produced every year in the United States. Unfortunately, lots of these chilly treats are now being recalled because of Listeria concerns.
Blue Bunny and Blue Bell recently issued a recall of their ice cream flavors that contained cookie dough supplied by Aspen Hills. The Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company is also recalling certain ice cream products for the same reason. Although the Blue Bunny seasonal products were distributed to retailers in only six states, the products sold by the Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company were distributed to shops, online outlets, and grocery stores throughout 24 states, including Alabama.
Now, popular grocery chain Publix has been added to the list of companies that have recalled cookie-dough-laden cold concoctions. Publix sold their Premium Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream at locations in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This flavor has now been subjected to the same voluntary recall because of Aspen Hills-related Listeria worries.
Wells Enterprises, the parent company behind Blue Bunny, is unaware of any illnesses related to consumption of its products. Likewise, the Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company and Publix both stated that no illnesses had been reported so far.
However, Listeria contamination poses such a significant health risk that these companies are taking no chances when it comes to public health. Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Symptoms of Listeria infection can include high fever, severe headache, muscle stiffness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The risk is even greater for pregnant women, who could experience a miscarriage or stillbirth as a result of contamination. Young children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are also at high-risk for Listeria infection.
Customers are urged to check the ice cream products in their freezers for important lot numbers as “best if used by” dates. They are encouraged to destroy these products or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
