The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) has issued a consumer advisory, urging individuals not to consume any Wilcox Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, and Gelato products with “best by” dates ranging from 9/13/24 to 11/14/24. The products, produced by Wilcox Ice Cream in East Arlington, Vermont, have been flagged for potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. In more serious cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, leading to neurological symptoms like headache, stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions.
The NH DHHS recommends that consumers, restaurants, and retailers check their freezers for the recalled products and either discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The list of recalled products, packaged in various sizes, can be found on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. The affected items include SUPER PREMIUM Products in yellow containers, Premium Products featuring an ice cream truck image, Leonardo’s Gelato with the Leonardo’s logo, yogurt products in beige containers labeled Wilcox Yogurt, and individually packaged ice cream bars with clear plastic wrap and a sticker.
The recall was initiated after a sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes in the NH DHHS Public Health Laboratory. Subsequent investigations by Wilcox revealed potential contamination in the ice cream mix used for its products. While no illnesses have been reported to date, the NH DHHS stresses the seriousness of listeriosis and the challenges in detecting contamination as affected foods may not exhibit any discernible changes in appearance, smell, or taste.
Wilcox Ice Cream is actively cooperating with state officials, and the NH DHHS will provide updates if additional distribution locations in New Hampshire are identified. The company is advising consumers to take pictures of the top and sides of the containers, showing the best-by date, and email them to [email protected] for a full refund. The email should include product photos, quantity, purchase location, as well as the consumer’s full name, address, and telephone number.
As food safety remains a top priority, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about recalls and promptly address any concerns related to potentially contaminated products to protect public health. The NH DHHS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
