Illinois Stores Pulling Ice Cream Brands Off The Shelves

Major ice cream brands are facing recalls across Illinois due to potential contamination. Maryland-based Totally Cool, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for over 60 ice cream products, including popular brands like Jeni’s, Friendly’s, and Hershey’s, after concerns about listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Stores Recalling Ice Cream Amid Contamination Concerns

Listeria monocytogenes can lead to serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, according to a notice posted on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website. In healthy individuals, listeria infection can cause symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, and nausea, and it poses a significant risk to pregnant individuals, potentially causing miscarriages and stillbirths.

Has Any Death Been Reported?

While no illnesses have been reported, Totally Cool, Inc. has proactively halted the production and distribution of all affected products. An extensive list of the recalled items is available on the FDA website. Notable products include various Hershey’s ice cream cakes, cones, and sandwiches, as well as Friendly’s 60-ounce Celebration ice cream cake and 40-ounce Strawberry Krunch ice cream cake.

Read More: Your Bad Breath Is Due To This Health Problem 

How Many Brands Are Affected?

In total, the recall impacts products from 13 brands, including ChipWich and Cumberland Farms. Jeni’s ice cream sandwiches, specifically the Key Lime Pie flavor, which recently won the 2024 PEOPLE Food Award, are also part of the recall. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams issued a statement clarifying that “listeria was not found in Jeni’s Frozen Dessert Sandwiches, nor the equipment used to produce the products; however, out of an abundance of caution, Jeni’s is voluntarily recalling all Sandwiches as requested by Totally Cool.” Other Jeni's products remain unaffected.

What Should I Do If I Bought One Of These Recalled Items?

Customers are advised to return or dispose of any recalled products. For further concerns, contact Totally Cool, Inc. at 410-363-7801 or via email at regulatory@totallycoolicecream.com.

For more information and updates, visit the FDA website or contact the retailer where the product was purchased.