5 biggest and most-shocking ice cream recalls of all time

Ice creams are loved worldwide by children and adults. You can come across this dessert listed at a local supermarket or a high-end restaurant. Access to high-quality ice creams has become more convenient than ever (one can order ice creams with a few swipes on the phone!).

However, the manufacturing and delivery can be complex, time-consuming, and expensive. Most ice-creams have to go through intense safety protocols before they reach you. In the unlikely case of contamination or damage, ice cream manufacturers take prompt action and immediately withdraw the batches. As the year ends, we are looking at 5 shocking ice cream recalls of all time!

Note: This article is a reflection of the writer’s opinion. Do share suggestions as to which other ice cream recalls should have made it to the list.

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5 biggest Ice Cream recalls of all time that made headlines

Keeping ice-creams fresh and safe can be a multi-level task. Frozen desserts can be prone to human error and at the risk of contamination by pathogens. Surprise infections by the health authorities can bring these issues to the surface before they reach the general public. Here is a look at the five biggest and most shocking recalls of the dessert:

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Totally Cool (May 2024)

A surprise inspection by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) at the Totally Cool facilities revealed a potentially dangerous contamination. The FDA launched a warning of Listeria infection from consumption of ice-creams. Totally Cool had to recall 68 of its products from the 13 major brands that it is associated with.

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Plastic and metal contamination (April 2022)

13 types of ice creams were recalled after Canadian health authorities announced that they may be contaminated with plastic and metal. The recall included major brands, including Baskin Robbins, President's Choice, and Hoof Prints. The contamination was linked to the Agropur dairy cooperative based out of Quebec.

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Toxic chemical (July 2021)

In Spain, the consumer protection organization declared a recall of 46 ice cream products. The frozen products were linked to Nestle's affiliated company, Froneri, an ice cream manufacturer. According to the investigation, the products were reportedly laced with ethylene oxide.

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Egg contamination (2023)

Eggs can be a common ingredient in ice cream manufacturing. However, many may prefer eggless or vegan alternatives. In 2023, Weis Markets and Yarnell Operations recalled their frozen products after traces of eggs were reportedly found in them.

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Unwanted Nuts (April, 2019)

Renowned ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's issued a voluntary recall of some of its products due to contamination by tree nuts. More than 2 gallons of Coconut Seven Layer and Chunky Munky flavors were recalled since they included hazelnuts, brazil nuts, and almonds, which were not mentioned in the ingredient list.

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Frozen desserts are vulnerable to many types of contamination. Timely health inspections and safety measures are essential. However, it can be a problem for the general public to identify frozen desserts that may have been contaminated. The recalls are a reminder that frozen food can be at risk of contamination, and individual discretion is a must.

Which recall is the most shocking to you? Tell us in the comments below.