Dozens of ice cream products recalled in four states after testing finds Listeria

Wilcox Ice Cream of East Arlington, VT, is recalling all flavors of Wilcox brand ice cream, yogurt, and ice cream bars, as well as Leonardo’s brand gelato, because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The Vermont Department of Agriculture notified the company that one lot of the Super Premium Mint Chip manufactured on 11/14/23 could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A routine sample collected by that agency tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

In addition to that flavor, the company recalls all other products manufactured at their facility during the same period. 

Recalled products were distributed in retail stores and Co-Ops in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York.

Recalled products:

Wilcox Premium Product Line – All Flavors – All Sizes with Best By/Sell By dates of 9/14/24 to 11/14/24:

Wilcox SUPER PREMIUM Product Line – All Flavors – All Sizes with Best By/Sell By dates 9/13/24 to 11/14/24:

Wilcox’s Premium Yogurt Line with Best By/Sell By 10/5/24, 10/6/24, 10/26/24, 10/27/24:

Wilcox Ice Cream 802 Ice Cream Bars with Best By/Sell By: 9/15/24 through 11/14/24

Leonardo’s Gelato Pints and 4 oz cups with Best By/Sell By Dates: 8/28/24 to 11/14/24

As of the posting of this recall, no illnesses or injuries have been reported.

All products are packaged in various sizes as noted in the above tables. The SUPER PREMIUM Products are packaged in yellow containers. The Premium Products are packaged in containers with a picture of an ice cream truck. The Leonardo’s Gelato is packaged with the Leonardo’s logo prominently displayed. The yogurt products are packaged in a beige container that says Wilcox Yogurt. The ice cream bars are packaged individually in clear plastic wrap with a sticker. Best-by dates for all products can be found either on the sticker or on the side of the packaging.

Customers should not consume these products.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled ice cream and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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