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.
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The mix-up was uncovered by a Blue Bell employee in Brenham, Texas, while restocking a retailer.
“Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream packaged in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough cartons with a Moo-llennium Crunch lid contains undeclared almonds, walnuts, and pecans,” the company said.
Only half-gallon containers with the lid code 061027524 are affected.
People with nut allergies risk serious reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can cause 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.
It was distributed to stores in 16 states: Alabama, Arkansas, 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, sold in stores and online across several states, were found 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, especially common among babies and young children, can trigger life-threatening symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
Consumers who purchased the affected chocolate are being urged to return it immediately for safety.
