Breyers recalls 6,600 cases of Rocky Road ice cream over potentially life-threatening allergen
Unilever subsidiary Breyers has issued a nationwide recall of more than 6,600 cases of Rocky Road ice cream after a packaging error resulted in potentially dangerous allergen mislabeling, according to a newly released enforcement report from the Food and Drug Administration.
The June 2 recall involves 6,668 cases — each containing multiple units — of Rocky Road ice cream that were mistakenly packaged in tubs labeled as Breyers Chocolate Truffle.
While the tub label stated 'may contain tree nuts,' the lid identified the product correctly as Rocky Road and declared almonds as an ingredient.
3 Unilever subsidiary Breyers has issued a nationwide recall of more than 6,600 cases of Rocky Road ice cream.
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The FDA classified the incident as a Class II recall, indicating that exposure to the mislabeled product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, particularly for individuals with nut allergies.
The mislabeled ice cream was distributed to retail stores and distribution centers across the United States.
The affected product is listed under lot number JUL1026GB3 with the UPC 077567457288.
The mix-up involves Breyers' 1.5-quart Rocky Road ice cream, which contains almonds — a tree nut that can trigger severe allergic reactions.
In contrast, the Chocolate Truffle tub that was used by mistake doesn't clearly state that it contains almonds. Instead, it only carries a vague 'may contain tree nuts' warning, which could put people with nut allergies at serious risk if they rely on the label to stay safe.
Although the recall is ongoing, no press release has been issued by the company as of Tuesday, and the FDA has listed the case status as open.
3 The June 2 recall involves 6,668 cases of Rocky Road ice cream that were mistakenly packaged in tubs labeled as Breyers Chocolate Truffle.
Breyers
Unilever notified affected retailers and distributors via letter, according to the FDA's Enforcement Report. The Post has sought comment from Unilever.
The recalled product was manufactured at Unilever's facility located at 2400 Rose Parkway in Sikeston, Mo. Unilever has not announced when the recall will be fully resolved, and the FDA has not yet marked the case as terminated.
Consumers with nut allergies are advised to check their freezers and return or discard any products matching the affected lot number.
Anyone experiencing allergic reactions after consuming the product should seek medical attention immediately.
While the labeling error may seem minor, the consequences for consumers with severe allergies can be life-threatening.
Unilever is one of the world's largest consumer goods companies, with a sprawling portfolio of brands across food, personal care and household product categories.
3 Breyers, founded in 1866, was acquired by Anglo-Dutch multinational Unilever for $2.6 billion in 1993.
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Headquartered in London, the Anglo-Dutch multinational operates in more than 190 countries and serves billions of consumers every day through well-known names like Dove, Hellmann's, Axe, Vaseline and Knorr.
In the food and beverage sector, Unilever has long been a dominant player, particularly in condiments, dressings and frozen treats.
Unilever's ice cream division is among the largest in the world, operating under the Heartbrand logo in many countries and encompassing a diverse set of brands including Ben & Jerry's, Magnum, Cornetto, Klondike and Breyers.
Unilever acquired Breyers in 1993 through its $2.6 billion purchase of Kraft General Foods' frozen dessert division. That deal also included the Sealtest brand and helped Unilever cement its leadership in the US ice cream market.
Breyers, founded in 1866, remains a staple in American grocery freezers and is known for its 'simple ingredients' marketing and wide range of family-sized flavors.
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