EAST ARLINGTON, VT. – Upon learning Listeria monocytogenes may be present in a lot of one of Wilcox Ice Cream’s products, the ice cream and specialty foods maker opted to recall all flavors of its ice cream, yogurt and ice cream bars, as well as Leonardo’s brand gelato products.
The Vermont Department of Agriculture notified Wilcox that a lot of the company’s Super Premium Mint Chip ice cream may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The various products were distributed to retail stores and co-ops in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York.
Per the Center for Disease Controls and Prevention: “An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, and about 260 die. The infection is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.”
A routine sample collected by the Vermont Department of Agriculture tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Wilcox said the Super Premium Mint Chip was manufactured on Sept. 15, and the company determined “the ice cream mix purchased to make our products may contain Listeria monocytogenes.”
Wilcox announced the recall of all flavors from its premium product line, with sell by dates ranging from Sept. 14, 2024, to Nov. 14, 2024. Additionally, it recalled all products within its super premium line (Sept. 13-Nov. 14, 2024), premium yogurt line (Oct. 5, Oct. 6, Oct. 26 and Oct. 27, 2024), ice cream bars line (Sept. 15-Nov. 14, 2024), plant-based non-dairy frozen dessert line (Sept. 13, 2024) and the Leonardo’s Gelato brand (Aug. 28-Nov. 14, 2024).
In making the recall, Wilcox also said no illnesses or injuries had been reported.
Wilcox said consumers who take a picture of the top and sides of a recalled container showing the best by date may email the company for a credit at AR@wilcoxicecreamvt.com or call the company at 802-375-1133.