FDA Classifies Recall as Class II, Urging Caution for Consumers

Maryland-based Totally Cool Inc. has announced a voluntary nationwide recall of several Dolcezza brand ice cream products, citing concerns over potential contamination with the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. The recall, initially prompted by testing conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late June, has now escalated with the FDA assigning a Class II risk classification to the affected products.

The recall encompasses 13 different Dolcezza ice cream flavors, all of which were distributed to retailers and sold online across the country. The FDA’s Class II designation indicates that while the use or exposure to the recalled products may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, the likelihood of serious health outcomes is considered remote.

The following Dolcezza products are included in the recall:

– 16 fl oz Mascarpone & Berries Ice Cream Pints
– 16 fl oz Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream Pints
– 16 fl oz Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Pints
– 16 fl oz Peanut Butter Mash and Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Pints
– 16 fl oz Dulce de Leche & Cookies Ice Cream Pints
– 16 fl oz Stracciatella Ice Cream Pints
– 16 fl oz Peanut Stracciatella Ice Cream Pints
– 16 fl oz Swiss Chocolate Ice Cream Pints
– 16 fl oz Coffee & Cookies Ice Cream Pints
– 16 fl oz Hot Cocoa Ice Cream Pints
– 16 fl oz Sugar Cookie Dough Ice Cream Pints
– 16 fl oz Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Pints
– 16 fl oz Dark Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Pints

Consumers are advised to check the product codes, images, and best-by dates associated with the recall, which are available on the FDA’s official website.

Understanding Listeria Risks:

Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium at the heart of this recall, is known to cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can have severe health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations. Symptoms of a Listeria infection can begin days or even weeks after exposure and may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, the infection can escalate to cause headaches, a stiff neck, loss of balance, confusion, and convulsions.

“These foodborne illnesses are dangerous in that they can have severe health impacts on people, including vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and, in severe cases, brain infections and blood infections,” warned Michelle Anstey, a food safety expert from NSF, a public health and safety organization. “They can be especially dangerous for those who are immunocompromised, including pregnant women, children, and older adults.”

Steps for Consumers:

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled Dolcezza ice cream products are urged to not consume them and to either dispose of the products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Those with questions or concerns about the recall can contact Totally Cool Inc.’s customer service hotline at 410-363-7801, available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST.

As this situation continues to develop, consumers are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to avoid any potential health risks associated with the affected products. Newsweek reached out to Totally Cool Inc. for further comments on the recall, but no response has been received at this time.

Credit: Newsweek