ARLINGTON — Wilcox Premium Ice Cream and Specialty Foods in Arlington has issued a voluntary recall after it was revealed that “Super Premium Mint Chocolate Chip” made at their facility on Sep. 15, 2023 has the potential to contain Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
Per Wilcox, no illness or injury has been reported as a result of the potentially contaminated product.
“We were notified by the Vermont Department of Agriculture, who was notified by the New Hampshire Department of Health on 11/14/23. That this product line in this flavor and production date has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes bacteria,” a release from Wilcox said.
“It is in a yellow container with the words ‘super premium’ on the label,” the release continued. “Pints will have a ‘best by’ printed date on the side of the container that would say 9/14/24. The large size 1.5 quart of the super premium Mint Chocolate Chip has a best by date on the sticker, on the lid, of 9/13/24. Please do NOT consume this product.”
“In an abundance of caution,” Wilcox has recalled eight other products made in that timeframe, that would list either 9/14/24 or 9/15/24 as their “Best by/ sell by” dates, which are as follows:
- Wilcox’s Premium Sweet Cream 1.5 Quart, Quart, Pint
- Wilcox’s Premium Sweet Cream Caramel Apple 3 Gallon Tub, 1.5 Quart, Quart, Pint
- Wilcox’s Premium Vanilla 3 Gallon Tub, 1 Gallon, 1.5 Quart, Quart, Pint
- Wilcox’s Premium Austins Caramel Turtle 3 Gallon, 1.5 Quart, Quart, Pint
- Wilcox’s Premium Maple Cream 3 Gallon, 1.5 Quart, Quart, Pint
- Wilcox’s Premium Mint Chocolate Chip 3 Gallon, 1.5 Quart, Quart, Pint
- Leonardo’s Gelato Mint Chocolate Chip 4 oz Cups with date of 9/14/24 on side of lid
- Wilcox’s super premium Caramel Brownie 1.5 Quart, Pint
“Our sincerest thanks to all our valued customers for your help, understanding and local support,” the release said. “Consumers that take a picture of the top and sides of the container showing the best by date may email us for credit.”
Customers seeking credit for their recalled product do not need to return it to the store, and are requested to put it in a closed trash bag and dispose of it. They can email AR@wilcoxicecreamvt.com with the photos, quantity, where purchased, and full name, address, and telephone number for their refund.
“Wilcox Ice Cream is doing our own independent testing of all products in the plant,” the release said. “We remain committed to consumer safety at all times.”
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, frail or elderly people, pregnant women, and others with weakened immune systems, per a release from New Hampshire’s Department of Health & Human Services.
“Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. The bacteria can also spread from the gut to other parts of the body and cause serious and invasive infection, including the nervous system leading to symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics, so anyone who suspects they may have the illness should contact their healthcare provider,” the release said.
