4 days ago
Ice Cream Recall Update as FDA Sets Nationwide Risk Level
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Thousands of ice cream products have been recalled after they were found to be mislabeled and did not have clear allergen information.
Unilever Manufacturing recalled its "Rocky Road Ice Cream" product on June 2, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has since released its classification of the recall as a Class II.
Newsweek has contacted Unilever Manufacturing outside of regular working hours via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Tree nuts are one of the nine major allergens, alongside peanuts, wheat, soy beans, sesame, milk, eggs, fish and crustacean shellfish. Around 0.5 percent of the U.S. population has an allergy to tree nuts, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. While most children eventually outgrow milk, egg, soy, and wheat allergies, much fewer outgrow allergies to peanuts and tree nuts.
By mislabeling allergens on packaging, the recalled products potentially pose a hidden risk to those with tree nut allergies.
File photo: close-up of ice cream trays with different flavors.
File photo: close-up of ice cream trays with different To Know
Unilever Manufacturing initiated the recall voluntarily after discovering that the "Rocky Road Ice Cream" product was packaged in a "Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream" labeled tub, with a "Rocky Road Ice Cream" labeled lid.
This meant that the tub said the product "may contain tree nuts," while the lid said it contained almonds.
As a result, those with a tree nut allergy, which includes an allergy to almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and Brazil nuts, did not have clear information about whether the allergens were inside the product.
The FDA classified the recall as a Class II, meaning that exposure to affected products could result in temporary or medically reversible health consequences, with a remote probability of serious health impacts.
The affected product had a lot code of JUL 1026GB3 and a UPC of 077567457288.
The products were distributed nationwide and 6,668 cases are involved in the recall, although the FDA added that only 12 individual units are believed to have been affected.
The recall remains ongoing, as of June 10. The FDA did not disclose if any allergic reactions had been reported in relation to this recall.
What People Are Saying
Scott H. Sicherer, a professor of pediatrics and director of the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, told Newsweek: "A person would probably know that they have a tree nut allergy based upon having had typical allergic symptoms that start often within minutes after ingesting the nut. Such symptoms may include: itchy mouth, swelling of the skin, especially lips and eyes, skin rash with hives, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, coughing, asthma symptoms, light headedness, passing out and more. A serious allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, can include impairment of breathing and circulation and can be fatal. Anyone who thinks they have a food allergy should discuss this with an allergist because it would be important to identify and confirm the trigger, learn how to avoid it, and learn what to do if an accidental ingestion resulted in a reaction."
He added: "The amount of nut ingested that could trigger an allergic reaction varies by the individual and type of nut, but some people are sensitive to trace amounts. As an example, it is not unusual for allergic reactions to occur from one hundredth of a cashew or less."
What Happens Next
Consumers and retailers are advised to check inventories for affected lots, discard recalled products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
