Deadly Allergen Sparks Ice Cream Recall

Urgent Recall Issued for Ice Cream Due to Undeclared Allergens

A voluntary recall has been initiated for a specific batch of ice cream sold across numerous states in the United States. The recall is due to the potential presence of undeclared almonds, walnuts, and/or pecans, posing a significant risk to individuals with nut allergies.

The affected product is Blue Bell Ice Cream's Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream, sold in half-gallon containers. The primary concern is that some containers were mistakenly packaged in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough cartons but with Moo-llennium Crunch lids, failing to accurately reflect the ingredients inside. This discrepancy could lead consumers with nut allergies to unknowingly ingest the product, triggering potentially severe allergic reactions.

Health Risks Associated with Undeclared Allergens

For individuals with nut allergies, exposure to even small amounts of almonds, walnuts, or pecans can lead to a range of adverse reactions. These reactions can vary in severity, from mild symptoms such as hives, itching, and swelling of the face and throat, to more severe and potentially life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur rapidly after exposure to an allergen. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, fainting, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can be fatal. Experts estimate that between 150 and 200 people in the United States die each year from allergen-induced anaphylaxis.

Identifying the Recalled Product

Consumers are urged to carefully check their freezers for the affected product. The recalled ice cream is Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream packaged in a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough half-gallon carton with a Moo-llennium Crunch lid. To further identify the recalled product, look for the code "061027524" printed on the top of the lid.

Distribution Area of Recalled Ice Cream

The recalled Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream was distributed and sold at retail locations in the following states:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Florida Panhandle
• Northwest Georgia
• Southern Indiana
• Southern Illinois
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Southwest Virginia

Consumers in these states who have purchased the product are strongly advised to take immediate action.

Recommended Actions for Consumers

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urges consumers who have purchased the recalled Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream to take the following steps:

1. Do not consume the product: Immediately discontinue consumption of the ice cream to avoid any potential allergic reactions.
2. Return the product: Return the recalled ice cream to the place of purchase for a full refund.
3. Contact Blue Bell: Consumers with questions or concerns about the recall can contact Blue Bell Ice Cream directly at 979-836-7977 or via email at consumerrelations@bluebell.com.

Understanding Allergy Risks

Approximately 10 million Americans have a nut allergy. Peanuts and tree nuts, such as walnuts and almonds, are among the most common food allergens. Recognizing the symptoms of an allergic reaction is crucial for prompt treatment. Symptoms can include:

• Hives
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Congestion
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

In severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur, requiring immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis is typically treated with an epinephrine injection (e.g., EpiPen) or nasal spray, which can help to reverse the symptoms and prevent potentially fatal outcomes.

FDA Oversight and Recall Classifications

While the FDA has not yet assigned a specific classification to this recall, it could potentially be categorized as Class I, the most serious type of recall. A Class I recall indicates "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." Given the potential for life-threatening allergic reactions, the recall warrants serious attention from consumers and retailers alike.

Blue Bell Ice Cream initiated the voluntary recall after an employee discovered the packaging error while restocking at a retail store. To date, no illnesses or adverse reactions related to the mislabeling have been reported. The company also stated that no other packaging errors have been reported. However, consumers with nut allergies are urged to exercise extreme caution and carefully inspect any Blue Bell ice cream products they may have purchased.