The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued an urgent recall of 13 products of Dolcezza ice cream, marking them with the “second highest risk level” due to contamination concerns. This announcement has raised significant public health concerns, especially during the summer when ice cream is a popular treat.
The ice cream recall: a public health concern
The FDA’s ice cream recall targets 13 specific ice cream products that have been identified as potentially hazardous. These products were found to be contaminated with listeria, posing a significant risk to consumers.
The “second highest risk level” classification means that while the situation is not the most severe, it is still a serious public health concern that requires immediate attention and action.
The Maryland-based food manufacturer, Totally Cool Inc., announced a recall of several ice cream products in June due to the potential contamination. The issue was discovered when the FDA conducted tests on the products.
The contaminated products include 13 products under the Dolcezza ice cream brand that are widely distributed across the United States. According to the FDA, the affected products may contain Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The recall has been issued to prevent any potential outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.
The 13 specific products under the Dolcezza brand involved in the ice cream recall are:
- 16 fl oz Mascarpone & Berries Ice Cream Pints
- 16 fl oz Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream Pints
- 16 fl oz Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Pints
- 16 fl oz Peanut Butter Mash and Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Pints
- 16 fl oz Dulce de Leche & Cookies Ice Cream Pints
- 16 fl oz Stracciatella Ice Cream Pints
- 16 fl oz Peanut Stracciatella Ice Cream Pints
- 16 fl oz Swiss Chocolate Ice Cream Pints
- 16 fl oz Coffee & Cookies Ice Cream Pints
- 16 fl oz Hot Cocoa Ice Cream Pints
- 16 fl oz Sugar Cookie Dough Ice Cream Pints
- 16 fl oz Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Pints
- 16 fl oz Dark Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Pints
Each of these products has been identified as potentially contaminated and should not be consumed. Consumers are advised to check their freezers and dispose of any of these products if found. Retailers have been instructed to remove the contaminated items from their shelves immediately.
The risks of listeria contamination
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can lead to severe illness or death in vulnerable populations. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff necks, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
The FDA’s recall is a precautionary measure to prevent any potential outbreaks of listeriosis. The agency has urged consumers to be vigilant and to report any adverse reactions or illnesses to their healthcare providers.
What to do if you have purchased these products
If you have purchased any of the recalled ice cream products, the FDA advises that you do not consume them. Instead, you should dispose of the products immediately. Additionally, it is recommended to clean any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with the contaminated ice cream to prevent cross-contamination.
For any questions or concerns regarding the recall, Totally Cool, Inc. can be contacted at 410-363-7801.
You can also visit their office between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
