Blue Bell Recalls Ice Cream Over Allergen Risk
Blue Bell Creameries has issued a recall of one of its popular ice cream flavors after discovering a packaging error that could pose a potentially deadly risk to consumers with nut allergies.
The Texas-based company announced that certain half-gallon cartons of Moo-llennium Crunch ice cream were mistakenly packaged in containers labeled as Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. The error was identified by a Blue Bell employee restocking a retailer’s freezer.
Why the Recall Was Issued
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared the company’s announcement on Friday, August 22, warning consumers that the mislabeled cartons do not declare the presence of three major allergens: almonds, walnuts, and pecans.
Anyone with allergies or sensitivities to tree nuts faces the risk of a “serious or life-threatening allergic reaction” if they consume the affected product, according to the recall notice.
“Moo-llennium Crunch” is typically made with vanilla ice cream mixed with dark chocolate chunks, caramel pieces, roasted pecans, chopped almonds, and walnut pieces. In contrast, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough contains chunks of cookie dough and chocolate chips but no nuts. Because of the packaging error, individuals with nut allergies could mistakenly eat a product containing multiple allergens.
How to Identify the Recalled Product
The recalled product is packaged as a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough half gallon but has a Moo-llennium Crunch lid. Consumers can identify the affected cartons by checking the lot code on the lid, which reads 061027524.
So far, no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported. Blue Bell says it is acting voluntarily “out of an abundance of caution” to protect customers.
Where the Ice Cream Was Sold
The mislabeled cartons were distributed in 16 states through retail outlets. Those states include:
Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Illinois
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Mississippi
Missouri
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
The FDA noted that the company has not yet provided a specific list of retailers where the product was sold. Consumers who purchased the ice cream are advised to check their freezers immediately.
What to Do If You Have the Product
Consumers who have purchased the affected ice cream should not eat it if they or anyone in their household has a nut allergy. Instead, they can return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Blue Bell has encouraged customers with questions to contact the company directly for assistance.
Blue Bell’s History With Recalls
This is not the first time Blue Bell has faced a recall. The company made national headlines in 2015 after a deadly listeria outbreak linked to its ice cream led to a massive product recall and a temporary shutdown of production facilities. Since then, Blue Bell has made efforts to strengthen its quality control and safety measures.
While the current recall affects a limited product lot, the presence of undeclared allergens makes it especially dangerous for people with nut allergies. Consumers in the 16 impacted states should double-check their freezers to ensure they are not at risk.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.