Publix Super Markets has initiated a voluntary recall of its Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream due to the discovery of an undeclared egg allergen. The recall, announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 14, affects a specific lot of the product that was mislabeled, posing serious health risks to consumers with egg allergies.
The issue arose from a labeling error in which half-gallon containers marked as Vanilla Ice Cream actually contained Rich & Creamy French Vanilla Ice Cream. This mix-up occurred due to incorrect lids being placed on the containers. As a result, customers who are dependent on accurate labeling to avoid allergens may unknowingly purchase a product that could trigger severe allergic reactions.
Health Risks and Consumer Safety
Food allergies affect millions of individuals in the United States annually. According to the FDA, the nine primary food allergens include eggs, milk, fish, wheat, soybeans, crustacean shellfish, sesame, tree nuts, and peanuts. For those with egg allergies, consuming the mislabeled ice cream could lead to serious or potentially life-threatening health consequences.
As of now, Publix has reported no confirmed illnesses linked to the recalled product. Nevertheless, the company emphasizes the importance of clear labeling to ensure consumer safety. In a statement, Maria Brous, Publix’s Director of Communications, said, “As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted product has been removed from all store shelves. To date, there have been no reported cases of illness.”
Details of the Recall
The recalled ice cream has a sell-by date of June 19, 2026, and is identifiable by the UPC code 41415 03043. The affected products were distributed across Publix locations in several states, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida, but exclude stores in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Tampa, and Sarasota. Additionally, locations in Virginia and North Carolina are not impacted by this recall.
Customers who purchased the affected ice cream are advised to check their freezers and return the product to their local Publix store for a full refund, regardless of whether it has been opened or consumed. Publix is committed to monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.
For further inquiries, consumers can contact Publix’s customer care department toll-free at 1-800-242-1227 or visit their website at publix.com for more information. The company is actively working to resolve the situation and maintain public trust in its food safety practices.
