Nationwide ice cream recalls due to listeria concerns: US

OWNINGS MILL: Multiple ice cream recalls have been initiated by various brands in the United States (US) on Wednesday, affecting over 60 products due to potential contamination with listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium known to cause severe infections.

The US ice cream brand “Totally Cool” halted production and distribution after the US food safety department Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected listeria in their products during sampling.

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The recall impacts a range of items, including pints of ice cream, sorbet, gelato, ice cream cakes, cones, and sandwiches sold under brands like “Jeni’s”, “Friendly’s”, and “ChipWich”. The products were distributed across the US through retail stores and direct delivery channels.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall so far. The FDA recommends consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products not to consume them and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

The FDA uploaded a comprehensive list of the affected items and companies on their website.

Listeria monocytogenes infections (listeriosis) can cause a range of symptoms from mild flu-like illness to more severe complications such as seizures and even death, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

More than 1,600 people contract listeriosis each year in the United States, with about 260 resulting in death.

Medical experts said it was important to quickly visit a doctor if symptoms of listeriosis develop after consuming recalled products. Symptoms may appear within a week or more after exposure and can include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea.

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The FDA is currently investigating further. However, it did confirm that no other products from Totally Cool and other companies were affected by this recall.