Ice cream lovers should check their freezers as a major recall affects popular frozen treats with expiration dates through 2026
The massive recall spans 22 different flavors
Wells Enterprises, the Iowa-based company behind numerous ice cream and frozen yogurt products, has initiated a voluntary nationwide recall affecting more than 17,000 tubs from freezers across America. The company, also known as Wells Dairy, took action on April 25 due to potential plastic contamination in their products.
The recall encompasses 22 different ice cream and frozen yogurt varieties distributed to 103 centers throughout the country. All affected products have expiration dates ranging from March to October 2026, giving the contamination concern a particularly wide timeframe.
The Food and Drug Administration has classified this as a Class II recall. This designation typically indicates a situation where exposure to the affected product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, with a remote probability of serious health problems.
Vanilla frozen yogurt tops the contamination list
Among the recalled products, Vanilla Frozen Yogurt represents the largest portion with 5,280 tubs pulled from distribution. This significant number highlights the scale of the potential contamination issue facing the company.
The three-gallon tubs affected include numerous popular flavors found in ice cream shops, restaurants, and food service operations across the country. The complete list of recalled products includes:
- Rocky Road Flavored Ice Cream (UPC: 070640050314, Lot 50009)
- Mocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream (UPC: 070640050420, Lot 50016)
- Peanut Butter ‘N Fudge Ice Cream (UPC: 070640050574, Lot 50012)
- Country Rich Vanilla Ice Cream (UPC: 070640600052, Lot 50085)
- Scooper Hero Ice Cream (UPC: 070640050642, Lot 50011)
- Cotton Candy Flavored Ice Cream (UPC: 070640050482, Lot 50018)
- GFGB Vanilla Bean Flavored Ice Cream (UPC: 070640000272, Lot 50024)
- Quick Blend Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream (UPC: 070640050604, Lot 50034)
- Planet Smoothie ZSA Vanilla Fat Free Frozen Yogurt (UPC: 070640005567, Lot 50014)
- Johnny Rockets Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream (UPC: 070640006564, Lot 50029)
- BIPC Flavored Ice Cream (UPC: 070640008025, Lot 50024)
- Vanilla Frozen Yogurt (UPC: 00070640022144, Lot 50002)
- Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream (UPC: 070640022250, Lot 50005)
- GFGB 12 Percent Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream (UPC: 070640018451, Lot 50004)
- Gordon Choice Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream (UPC: 00093901820730, Lot 50003)
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream/Madagascar Vanilla (UPC: 50758108658085, Lot 50026)
- Glenview Farms Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream (UPC: 50758108118398, Lot 50066)
- Glenview Farms Chocolate Ice Cream (UPC: 50758108118404, Lot 50033)
- Glenview Farms French Vanilla Ice Cream (UPC: 50758108392668, Lot 50015)
- Sysco French Vanilla Ice Cream (UPC: 00074865257275, Lot 50025)
- Keith Valley Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream (UPC: 046045065871, Lot 50004)
- Ellington Farms Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream (UPC: 046045065833, Lot 50003)
How plastic contamination threatens consumer safety
While Wells Enterprises hasn’t released specific details about how plastic may have entered their production line, food safety experts note that plastic contamination typically occurs when machinery components break or degrade during the manufacturing process. Even small plastic fragments can pose choking hazards or cause internal injuries if ingested.
The three-gallon size of the affected products suggests these contaminated tubs were primarily destined for commercial use rather than individual retail sales. This means consumers may have unknowingly consumed products from these tubs at restaurants, ice cream parlors, or catering events.
Food safety advocates emphasize that plastic contamination differs from bacterial contamination in that freezing temperatures do not neutralize the threat. The plastic fragments remain dangerous regardless of how long the product stays frozen.
What this means for commercial kitchens and consumers
Restaurant owners, ice cream shops, and food service managers who use Wells Enterprises products should immediately check their inventory against the recall list. The extended expiration dates mean that many affected tubs could still be in use for months or years without proper notification.
For individual consumers, the primary concern comes from recently purchased ice cream from shops that might have used these contaminated products. While direct consumer packages aren’t listed in the recall, the possibility exists that some affected ice cream may have been repackaged into smaller containers for retail sale.
Health officials recommend that anyone experiencing unusual symptoms after consuming ice cream products, such as unexplained abdominal pain, should consult a healthcare provider and mention the potential for plastic contamination.
Wells Enterprises’ history and market position
This recall comes at a challenging time for Wells Enterprises, which has built its reputation on quality ice cream production since its founding in 1913. The company produces numerous well-known brands and supplies ice cream products to restaurants and food service operations nationwide.
Food industry analysts note that large-scale recalls can significantly impact consumer trust, especially in the competitive ice cream market where quality perceptions drive purchasing decisions. The financial impact of removing 17,000 three-gallon tubs from circulation represents not only the lost product value but also potential litigation and brand reputation damage.
Ongoing investigation and consumer guidance
As of publication, the recall remains active with no additional updates provided by Wells Enterprises or the FDA. Consumers with concerns about potentially affected products should check with restaurants or ice cream shops about their supply sources.
The FDA continues to monitor the situation and may provide additional guidance as the investigation progresses. Food safety experts recommend disposing of any suspected products rather than risking consumption.
For commercial establishments holding recalled products, proper documentation of disposal may be necessary for potential reimbursement claims. The recall notice does not currently specify whether Wells Enterprises will offer refunds or replacements for affected tubs.
Consumers seeking more information about this recall should contact Wells Enterprises directly or visit the FDA’s recall website for the latest updates on this developing food safety situation.
