Warning: Contaminated Ice Cream Alert!
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has issued a warning about certain Wilcox Ice Cream products that you should avoid like the plague. Why? Well, it turns out they’ve been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Yikes!
Which Products Are Affected?
If you’ve got any Wilcox Ice Cream with best-by dates between Sept. 13, 2024, and Sept. 15, 2024, you might want to think twice before digging in. The company is voluntarily recalling the following flavors and sizes:
| Flavor | Package Size | ||
| Wilcox’s Premium Sweet Cream | 1.5 Quart | Quart | Pint |
| Wilcox’s Premium Sweet Cream Caramel Apple | 1.5 Quart | Quart | Pint |
| Wilcox’s Premium Vanilla | 1.5 Quart | Quart | Pint |
| Wilcox’s Premium Salted Caramel Turtle | 1.5 Quart | Quart | Pint |
| Wilcox’s Premium Maple Cream | 1.5 Quart | Quart | Pint |
| Wilcox’s Premium Mint Chocolate Chip | 1.5 Quart | Quart | Pint |
| Leonardo’s Gelato Mint Chocolate Chip | 4 oz. cups | ||
| Wilcox’s SUPER PREMIUM Mint Chocolate Chip | 1.5 Quart | Pint | |
| Wilcox’s SUPER PREMIUM Caramel Brownie | 1.5 Quart | Pint | |
What Should You Do?
Listen up, folks. The state health department is urging you to stop eating these ice cream products immediately. Don’t take any chances! Either throw them away or return them to the store where you bought them for a full refund. Safety first, right?
According to Patricia Tilley, Director of the DHHS Division of Public Health Services (DPHS), ”Listeriosis can cause serious health concerns.” So, let’s not mess around with this, okay?
Why Is Listeria So Dangerous?
Here’s the scary part: contaminated food doesn’t always look, smell, or taste any different. That means you can’t rely on your senses to detect Listeriosis. It’s a sneaky bacteria! That’s why the Division of Public Health Services is advising everyone to check their freezers and get rid of any recalled ice cream products. Better safe than sorry!
No Illnesses Reported…Yet
Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported so far. But let’s not wait for someone to get sick before taking action, shall we?
Where Can You Find Wilcox Ice Cream?
Wilcox Ice Cream is popular in New England, so if you’re in the area, pay attention. You can find it at various food establishments, including the Hanover Co-Op Food Store, Lebanon Co-Op Food Store, and the Monadnock Food Co-Op in New Hampshire. Keep an eye out for updates from the state health department in case more distribution locations are identified.
Investigating the Root Cause
Rest assured, folks, Wilcox Ice Cream is working closely with state officials to figure out how this contamination happened in the first place. They’re determined to get to the bottom of it and prevent it from happening again.
About Listeria Infections
Now, let’s talk about why Listeria infections are no joke. Even though contaminated food may not look or smell spoiled, it can still lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening infections. If you’ve consumed any of the recalled products and start experiencing symptoms of Listeria infection, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment right away. Make sure to inform your doctor about the possibility of Listeria exposure.
Keep an eye on your health in the coming weeks, as symptoms can take up to 70 days to develop. Look out for vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Remember, Listeria infections can mimic other illnesses, so specific laboratory tests are needed for an accurate diagnosis.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Pregnant women, in particular, need to be cautious as Listeria infections can harm the baby or even result in stillbirth.
Photo: Freepik.com
