Urgent Ice Cream Recall: 737 Cases of Vanilla Soft Serve Pulled Due to Allergen Risk
The FDA classified this recall as Class I—its highest—due to the risk of severe allergic reactions
Alerting all dessert shoppers: Vanilla soft serve ice cream mix from Mombo’s has been voluntarily recalled due to potential food allergens. Fortunately, however, the affected product was intercepted before reaching retailers. Keep scrolling to learn more about the ice cream recall and why it didn’t hit shelves.
Ice cream recall: what happened?
On January 19, Arizona Foods Group, which is based in Phoenix, voluntarily recalled vanilla soft-serve ice cream mix from Mombo’s because it may contain egg. A short time later, on February 21, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified the recall as Class I—the highest risk level as undeclared allergens could cause severe or life-threatening reactions to those who consume it.
The FDA will issue a Class I recall in “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
A total of 4,422 half-gallon units—equivalent to 737 cases—were distributed across Nevada. According to the FDA’s description, they were packaged in cases of six units. The carton is plain white with a sticker label on one side and a code on the opposite side. Products with the code PLT 04-21 00925 are listed as affected.
Why was the recall issued?
The recall was initiated because eggs—one of the FDA’s nine major allergens—were undeclared on the label.
“Symptoms of food allergies typically appear from within a few minutes to a few hours after a person has eaten the food to which he or she is allergic,” per the FDA. “A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis.”
Some symptoms may include rash hives, itchy or tingling sensation in the mouth, trouble breathing or abdominal discomfort. “To protect those with food allergies and other food hypersensitivities, the FDA enforces regulations requiring companies to list ingredients on packaged foods and beverages.” For this recall, eggs were not identified on the label, even though they were present in the ice cream mix.
Was the affected product sold in stores?
Unlike many other recalls, where products are pulled from grocery store shelves, the vanilla soft-serve ice cream mix never reached retailers.
“Fortunately, the product was never distributed into the public,” Arizona Food Groups said in a statement. “All involved product was successfully retrieved in full, before it was made available to consumers. All of the involved product was subsequently destroyed.”
How are food recalls managed?
This ice cream recall is a prime example of food safety. To stay ahead of contamination, allergens or safety hazards, every food manufacturer must have a Master Notification File—a plan that details exactly how to handle a recall. Tracking shipments, notifying retailers and alerting the FDA are all steps that should be included in the file.
Companies are also required to follow a process designed to identify potential risks before they reach retailers. These steps include internal quality checks, regulatory reporting, supply chain tracking and public notification if necessary. This is when a recalled product has already been sold and alerts go out through press releases and the FDA official recall database.
Consumers concerned about potential allergen exposure should consult the FDA’s official recall database for more information.
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