A recall of ice cream by a Texas-based ice cream firm because of undeclared almond, walnut and pecan has received the second-highest warning by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Blue Bell Creameries, L.P. issued a voluntary recall on August 21 of Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream that had been mistakenly packaged in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream cartons.
The FDA issued a Class II risk classification on August 28.
Newsweek has approached Blue Bell Creameries for comment in an email sent outside regular working hours.
Why it Matters
Almonds, walnuts and pecans are recognized by the FDA as tree-nut allergens that can cause serious or life‑threatening reactions in sensitive individuals.
The FDA classified the action as Class II, indicating the exposure might cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
Tree nuts are one of the nine major food allergens as set out in the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act. The others are eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, milk, peanuts, wheat, sesame and soybeans.
A Blue Bell employee discovered the incorrect packaging on two half-gallons while restocking a retailer. No illnesses were reported as of the company’s announcement.
What To Know
These are the products affected by the recall, as set out by the FDA:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream cartons with a Moo-llennium Crunch lid. Packaging contains Moo-llennium crunch. Packaged in half gallon cartons (1.89 L). The recalled product also has the code number of 061027524 on the lid.
The 16,532 half-gallon cartons were distributed through retail outlets in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida Panhandle, Northwest Georgia, Southern Indiana, Southern Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Southwest Virginia and Puerto Rico.
What People Are Saying
Blue Bell said in an FDA press release: “People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds, walnuts, and pecans run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.”
The FDA website states: “Food allergies and other types of food hypersensitivities affect millions of Americans and their families. Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to certain proteins in food. Food allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms involving hives and lip swelling to severe, life-threatening symptoms, often called anaphylaxis, that may involve fatal respiratory problems and shock.”
It added: “To protect those with food allergies and other food hypersensitivities, the FDA enforces regulations requiring companies to list ingredients on packaged foods and beverages. For certain foods or substances that cause allergies or other hypersensitivity reactions, there are more specific labeling requirements.”
What Happens Next
Blue Bell advises consumers who have purchased cartons of ice cream to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
For more information, consumers may call 979-836-7977, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST or email [email protected].
The post Ice Cream Recall Update As FDA Issues Risk Warning appeared first on Newsweek.
