ice cream recall prompts allergen risk review for frozen dessert sector
Ice cream recall over mislabelled Friendly’s cartons highlights allergen control gaps and quality assurance needs in retail and foodservice supply chains.
A BRAND
Friendly’s has issued a voluntary pullback on 324 cartons of ice cream after a flavour switch at the packaging stage left Cookies & Cream inside Vanilla Bean tubs. The printed label didn’t list soy or wheat — both are major allergens.
The affected tubs have a Cookies & Cream lid and “Best By” date of November 26 2025. They were shipped through UNFI and stocked in stores across Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. FDA classed the case as a serious allergen hazard. No illness cases have been reported.
Mislabel at packaging line
The problem started during production changeover. Cookies & Cream went into Vanilla Bean cartons without the allergen label change. Vanilla Bean is not meant to have soy or wheat, so the mismatch went straight to market.
In these cases, retailers need to pull affected stock fast, and distributors handle the recall paperwork, storage, and any returns from stores. Even a small quantity means a full recall when allergens are involved.
More recalls in frozen desserts
Friendly’s isn’t alone this month. Rich’s Ice Cream recalled over 110,000 cases of ice cream bars in 23 states and the Bahamas due to possible Listeria contamination. Tropicale Foods also recalled certain Helados Mexico and La Michoacana items from chains like H-E-B and Walmart over mislabelled milk allergens. One allergic reaction has been confirmed in that case.
Impact for trade
For FMCG and foodservice operators, this ice cream recall round should be a push to tighten allergen control on multi-flavour production lines. Checks on labelling, batch codes, and cleaning procedures between runs are critical.
Traceability needs to be fast and accurate. Staff on the line must have clear sign-off steps before the next product is packed. Missing those steps can cost more than the recall itself — lost trust, brand damage, and supply disruption.
In the end, this ice cream recall is a sharp reminder for the sector: frozen dessert brands, no matter how established, stay strong only if every part of the supply chain is watching for the small mistakes before they become a public issue.