Nothing says summer like eating an ice cream bar during a hot afternoon. But this year this simple pleasure could come with a caution. If you’ve purchased frozen treats lately, it’s a good idea to double-check your freezer. The huge recall affecting more than 110,000 containers of ice cream bars was issued due to a concerning Listeria outbreak. Find out which products have been affected, how to identify unsafe products, and important information your whole family needs to know. It’s best to be safe and enjoy your summer treats!
Why Were Ice Cream Bars Recalled?
On June 27, 2025, Rich’s Ice Cream Co. decided to pull a range of beloved frozen desserts after tests raised alarms about possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall spans 23 states, so there’s a good chance it could affect a store near you. Listeria is a kind of bacteria known to cause foodborne illnesses—particularly risky for vulnerable people.
Which Ice Cream Bars Are Included?
Many popular brands were targeted in this recall. Here’s what to look for when searching your freezer’s contents:
- Chocolate Crunch Cake Bar
- Strawberry Shortcake Bar
- Rich Bar
- Crumbled Cookie Bar
- Orange Cream Bar
- Fudge Frenzy Bar
- Cotton Candy Twirl Bar
- Savagely Sour Blue Raspberry Bar
- Savagely Sour Cherry Bar
- Cool Watermelon Bar
How to Identify Recalled Products
The most effective way to tell if your ice cream is affected is to check the lot number on the package. Look for numbers between 25156 and 24351. If your box falls within this range, don’t take a chance with it. Discard the bars and contact the manufacturer for next steps. This could prevent more than just an ice cream headache.
States Affected by the Recall
| Region | Notable States |
|---|---|
| South | Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee |
| Other Regions | Arizona, California, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin |
As of July 22, 2025, no illnesses have been reported as a result of this recall. Prompt action has been taken to keep people safe.
What Does a Class II Recall Mean?
This recall is classified as Class II by the FDA. This means the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health issues. The possibility of serious health consequences is considered low, but the risk—especially for some groups—should not be overlooked. Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weak immune systems are most vulnerable to Listeria.
Why Is Listeria So Serious?
The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes can trigger flu-like symptoms, but in some cases, it can cause more severe illness. According to experts, it can cause difficulty coordinating movement, confusion, and even miscarriage in pregnant women. That’s why food recalls like this are handled quickly and with great care, even if no cases of illness have yet been reported—to prevent possible cases before they occur.
Safe Steps: What to Do If You Have These Bars at Home
- Check all ice creams by the brands and lot numbers listed.
- Do not eat or serve potentially affected bars. Dispose of them safely.
- Clean and disinfect any surfaces touched by the ice cream.
- Contact the company for a refund or further instructions as needed.
I’ve always loved these delicious frozen treats, so it’s a shock to see brands act quickly when something’s wrong. I always double-check recalls, not just for my own safety but to make sure my family and friends don’t serve something dangerous. Food safety is a shared responsibility—especially during the hottest days of summer, when a cold treat is tempting.
This is a good reminder of the importance of staying up-to-date on food recalls and practicing health precautions. While it’s frustrating when a popular snack is pulled from shelves, peace of mind is worth it. Stay alert, watch your fridge, and enjoy summer without worry.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Recall of Ice Cream
- What states are the most affected by the Rich’s Ice Cream recall? Majorly affected states include Alabama, Florida, Texas, New York, and California, but 23 states in total were affected by distribution of the recalled products.
- What symptoms should I look for if I ate contaminated ice cream? Common Listeria symptoms are muscle aches, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more serious cases, symptoms can worsen, especially for those with weak immune systems.
- Have any illnesses occurred? No illnesses related to this recall have been reported as of July 22, 2025.
- How do I dispose of recalled ice creams safely? Place the item in a bag, then throw it in the trash. Do not try to compost it or feed it to animals.
- Can I get a refund for recalled products? Yes, contact the manufacturer or the place of purchase for an exchange or refund.
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