Popular ice cream bars recalled in 23 states due to listeria concerns
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There’s nothing like a cold ice cream bar to take the edge off a hot summer day.
But before you reach for your favorite frozen treat, it’s worth checking your freezer—more than 100,000 bars have just been recalled.
These popular treats, sold across 23 US states and even in the Bahamas, may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous foodborne bacterium.
The recall includes a wide variety of Rich’s Ice Cream favorites, from Strawberry Shortcake to Cotton Candy Twirl.
For those at higher risk, this isn’t just a food safety warning—it could pose serious health consequences.
On July 17, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publicly announced a recall for several frozen dessert products produced by Florida-based Rich’s Ice Cream Co.
According to the FDA, the company initiated the recall on June 27, and it applies to lot numbers 24351 through 25156.
A total of 110,292 cases of individually wrapped bars may be affected.
The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, meaning that while the chance of serious health effects is remote, temporary or medically reversible problems are possible.
USA TODAY noted that Rich’s Ice Cream did not respond to inquiries for comment as of July 21.
The recalled items were individually wrapped and sold in master cases.
If you’ve recently purchased any of the following frozen treats, be cautious:
These products were widely distributed across grocery and convenience stores, and may also have been available at local recreational venues.
According to the FDA, the affected items were shipped to the following 23 US states:
Additionally, the bars were distributed in Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas.
As of now, the FDA and Rich’s Ice Cream have not provided specific instructions regarding refunds or product returns.
Customers are advised to avoid eating any of the affected bars and to check lot numbers carefully, which are typically printed on the box or wrapper.
For updates, consumers can visit Rich’s Ice Cream Co.’s official website to stay informed or to contact the company directly.
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterium that can grow even in cold environments like freezers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States.
Each year, about 1,600 Americans become infected, and approximately 260 die from the disease.
The CDC warns that symptoms may appear days or even weeks after exposure.
These may include:
In pregnant women, listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of newborns.
If anyone in a high-risk category develops flu-like symptoms within two months of eating a recalled product, medical attention should be sought immediately.
While the scale of this recall may seem overwhelming, it serves an important public health purpose.
Listeria contamination, while rare, can have devastating consequences.
Prompt recall actions by the FDA and producers like Rich’s Ice Cream help reduce the chances of serious illness, particularly among older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
Even the most familiar treats can come with unexpected risks, which is why staying informed is so important.
If you or someone you love enjoys these frozen favorites, take a moment to double-check your freezer and spread the word.
A little caution goes a long way when it comes to protecting your health—especially during the summer season.
Read next: Is your drink contaminated? Shocking FDA recall in 28 states you need to know about!
Have you checked your freezer yet? Have you ever experienced a food recall before? We’d love to hear how you stay informed and how you handle product safety at home. Let us know in the comments below—and stay safe this summer.
But before you reach for your favorite frozen treat, it’s worth checking your freezer—more than 100,000 bars have just been recalled.
These popular treats, sold across 23 US states and even in the Bahamas, may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous foodborne bacterium.
The recall includes a wide variety of Rich’s Ice Cream favorites, from Strawberry Shortcake to Cotton Candy Twirl.
For those at higher risk, this isn’t just a food safety warning—it could pose serious health consequences.
Some popular frozen treats are now part of a multi-state recall due to potential listeria contamination. Image Source: Pexels / Polina Tankilevitch..
What led to the recall?
On July 17, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publicly announced a recall for several frozen dessert products produced by Florida-based Rich’s Ice Cream Co.
According to the FDA, the company initiated the recall on June 27, and it applies to lot numbers 24351 through 25156.
A total of 110,292 cases of individually wrapped bars may be affected.
The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, meaning that while the chance of serious health effects is remote, temporary or medically reversible problems are possible.
USA TODAY noted that Rich’s Ice Cream did not respond to inquiries for comment as of July 21.
Also read: Nationwide recall for a popular deodorant—could yours be among them?
Which products are included?
The recalled items were individually wrapped and sold in master cases.
If you’ve recently purchased any of the following frozen treats, be cautious:
- Chocolate Crunch Cake Bars
- Strawberry Shortcake Bars (Rich Bars)
- Crumbled Cookie Bars
- Orange Cream Bars
- Fudge Frenzy Bars
- Cotton Candy Twirl Bars
- Savagely Sour Blue Raspberry Bars
- Savagely Sour Cherry Bars
- Cool Watermelon Bars
These products were widely distributed across grocery and convenience stores, and may also have been available at local recreational venues.
Also read: Unexpected hazard found in popular yogurt—recall issued over plastic contamination
Where were the bars distributed?
According to the FDA, the affected items were shipped to the following 23 US states:
- Arizona
- Alabama
- Ohio
- California
- Pennsylvania
- Georgia
- New York
- New Jersey
- Florida
- Texas
- Virginia
- Illinois
- Missouri
- Massachusetts
- Tennessee
- Iowa
- South Carolina
- Oregon
- Oklahoma
- Nevada
- Louisiana
- Wisconsin
- Nebraska
Additionally, the bars were distributed in Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas.
Recalled ice cream bars from Rich’s Ice Cream include several popular flavors sold in 23 states. Image Source: YouTube / What's Recalled Today.
Also read: Dark chocolate almond recall expanded—here’s what you need to know
What should consumers do now?
As of now, the FDA and Rich’s Ice Cream have not provided specific instructions regarding refunds or product returns.
Customers are advised to avoid eating any of the affected bars and to check lot numbers carefully, which are typically printed on the box or wrapper.
For updates, consumers can visit Rich’s Ice Cream Co.’s official website to stay informed or to contact the company directly.
Also read: FDA issues recall alert for popular frozen item found in ALDI stores
Understanding the risk: listeria explained
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterium that can grow even in cold environments like freezers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States.
Each year, about 1,600 Americans become infected, and approximately 260 die from the disease.
Listeria is a harmful bacteria that can contaminate frozen foods and cause serious illness, especially in high-risk groups. Image Source: YouTube / COSSART Lab (Institut Pasteur).
Also read: Mushroom recall sparks concern—check your fridge before it’s too late
Symptoms of listeria infection
The CDC warns that symptoms may appear days or even weeks after exposure.
These may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms
In pregnant women, listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of newborns.
If anyone in a high-risk category develops flu-like symptoms within two months of eating a recalled product, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Also read: Surprise allergen triggers recall in 11 states—could it be in your pantry?
Food recalls matter—here’s why
While the scale of this recall may seem overwhelming, it serves an important public health purpose.
Listeria contamination, while rare, can have devastating consequences.
Prompt recall actions by the FDA and producers like Rich’s Ice Cream help reduce the chances of serious illness, particularly among older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
Staying safe: simple steps you can take
- Check your freezer for affected products and lot numbers.
- Don’t consume any items under recall.
- Visit Rich’s Ice Cream Co.’s website for updates.
- Tell family and friends—especially if they’re in one of the impacted states.
Even the most familiar treats can come with unexpected risks, which is why staying informed is so important.
If you or someone you love enjoys these frozen favorites, take a moment to double-check your freezer and spread the word.
A little caution goes a long way when it comes to protecting your health—especially during the summer season.
Read next: Is your drink contaminated? Shocking FDA recall in 28 states you need to know about!
Have you checked your freezer yet? Have you ever experienced a food recall before? We’d love to hear how you stay informed and how you handle product safety at home. Let us know in the comments below—and stay safe this summer.
