A stock image of ice cream. Two half-gallon products sold in Wisconsin have been recalled. GETTY
Babcock Dairy in Wisconsin has recalled two ice cream flavors, Orange Custard Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Peanut Butter, due to a labeling error, according to an announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on November 8, 2024. The incident, discovered by a customer and reported to the company on November 4, involved tubs of Orange Custard Chocolate Chip mistakenly labeled as Chocolate Peanut Butter.
The company issued a statement cautioning that people with allergies to eggs or the dye yellow #5 could face serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume these mislabeled products. This risk makes the recall particularly urgent, as consuming these allergens without warning poses a severe threat to individuals with allergies.
The affected products, marked with a production date of September 17, were distributed in Wisconsin and sold at Babcock Dairy Store, Metcalfe’s Markets, Ken’s Meats & Deli, and Capitol Centre Market. The company has reported that no illnesses have been linked to this labeling mistake, though the FDA and Babcock Dairy continue to monitor for any further reports.
The company moved swiftly to address the issue, removing all remaining mislabeled products from retail locations within three hours of the report. Babcock Dairy emphasized that it acted “out of an abundance of caution” to protect consumers, given the potential severity of allergic reactions.
To prevent such incidents from occurring again, Babcock Dairy announced a series of new safety measures. These include retraining employees on proper labeling practices, introducing multiple verification checks during the production and packaging process, and reorganizing packaging materials to prevent accidental swaps. These steps aim to eliminate any chance of similar errors in the future.
Anyone who purchased the affected ice cream products can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The company has also provided a contact number for further inquiries about the recall: (608) 262-9102, available Monday through Friday, between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT.
In the U.S., nine major allergens must be clearly declared on food labels. These include milk, soybeans, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and sesame. Accidental consumption of these allergens can trigger allergic reactions, ranging from mild symptoms like hives and swelling to severe symptoms, including anaphylaxis—a potentially fatal reaction characterized by throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and even loss of consciousness.
Food safety experts, including Darin Detwiler, a professor of food policy and corporate responsibility at Northeastern University, stress the importance of immediate medical care if symptoms of an allergic reaction occur after consuming a mislabeled product. He advises affected consumers to seek medical help first and report any incidents to the FDA and local health authorities to help prevent similar incidents.
In addition, Detwiler recommends that individuals retain packaging and any remaining product as evidence. This documentation can aid in investigations and serve as critical evidence if legal action is pursued.
Food recalls, especially those involving allergens, remind consumers to stay vigilant about potential risks in mislabeled products. The FDA continues to emphasize the importance of accurate labeling as an essential measure for consumer safety, particularly for those with known food allergies.
Consumers are encouraged to remain alert to recalls and report any adverse reactions related to mislabeled products, which supports agencies in ensuring the highest levels of food safety.
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