Vermont Ice Cream Maker Expands Recall Over Listeria Concerns

Vermont-based Wilcox Ice Cream has recalled all flavors of its branded ice cream, yogurt, and ice cream bars, and those of its Leonardo's gelato with specific "best by" dates.

The products with a "best by" dates of 9/13/24-11/14/24 could be contaminated with listeria, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Both brands are sold at retail stores and co-ops in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York.

The problem was first reported to Wilcox by the Vermont Department of Agriculture on November 14 after a routine test of Super Premium Mint Chip manufactured on September 15 tested positive for listeria. Wilcox determined the source was likely ice cream mix used to make its products.

No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date, according to the FDA.

Wilcox said customers do not need to return product to stores. Instead, they may take a photo of the top and sides of the container showing the best by date and email it to AR@wilcoxicecreamvt.com for a full credit. Include the quantity, where purchased, and your full name address and telephone number.

Symptoms of listeria include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The FDA says healthy individuals may suffer only short term symptoms. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

“Listeriosis can cause serious health concerns,” Patricia Tilley, Director of the the New Hampshire DHHS Division of Public Health Services said in a statement. “Foods that are contaminated may not look, smell, or taste any different, so there is no way to tell if Listeria is present."

Below is a full list of recalled products

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 and4 oz cups with Best By/Sell By Dates: 8/28/24 to 11/14/24

Wilcox’s Plant Based Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert with Best By/Sell By Date: 9/13/24

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via X (Twitter) @DanAlexanderNH