BLUE Bell Ice Cream is recalling a batch of its products after a serious packaging mix-up was discovered.
The error involves Moo-llennium Crunch ice cream being packaged incorrectly in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough cartons.
The mix-up was uncovered by a Blue Bell employee in Brenham, Texas, while restocking a retailer.
The company stated that “Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream packed in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough cartons with a Moo-llennium Crunch lid contains undeclared almonds, walnuts, and pecans.”
Only half-gallon containers with the lid code 061027524 are affected.
Individuals with nut allergies are at risk of severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which may lead to difficulty breathing, swelling, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
No illnesses or injuries have been reported so far.
Blue Bell confirmed that no other packaging errors have been found.
The affected ice cream was produced at the company’s Brenham plant in Texas.
The product was distributed to retailers in 16 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, the Florida Panhandle, Northwest Georgia, Southern Indiana, Southern Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Southwest Virginia.
Shoppers can identify the products by the Moo-llennium Crunch lid on a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough carton.
Blue Bell is urging anyone who purchased the affected ice cream to return it to the store for a full refund.
The recall is voluntary and is being conducted with the FDA’s oversight.
Blue Bell acted immediately to remove the products from circulation.
Retailers in the affected regions have been contacted to pull the ice cream from shelves.
An image of the recalled product was included in the company’s announcement for identification purposes.
Nut Allergy Facts
- What it includes: Allergic reactions can occur from peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts, and other tree nuts.
- Mild symptoms: Skin rashes, hives, itching, stomach upset, or nausea.
- Severe reactions (anaphylaxis): Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
- Risks: Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
- Precaution: People with nut allergies should avoid products containing or potentially contaminated with nuts and carry emergency medication, like an epinephrine auto-injector.
Blue Bell reassured the public that the recall is limited and no other products are impacted.
Consumers are encouraged to check their freezers before eating Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream purchased recently.
Meanwhile, another sweet treat is under recall.
Batches of Belgian Smurf-shaped Popping Chocolate With Cookies, available in stores and online across various states, were discovered to contain traces of wheat.
The ingredient wasn’t listed on the packaging, putting those with wheat allergies in danger of serious reactions.
Wheat allergies, particularly prevalent among infants and young children, can provoke serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
Consumers who purchased the affected chocolate are being urged to return it immediately for safety.
