Vermont-made ice cream faces recall due to Listeria contamination

Cox Ice Cream, a Vermont-based ice cream producer, has issued a voluntary recall of certain flavors of its ice cream due to possible Listeria contamination. The recall affects several flavors of ice cream with best-by dates between September 2024 and March 2025.

The recall was initiated after a supplier notified the company that one of the ingredients used in the affected ice cream batches had tested positive for Listeria. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness, particularly in pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Cox Ice Cream urges consumers to return any affected ice cream products to the point of purchase for a full refund. The company is also working with the Vermont Department of Health to investigate the cause of the contamination.

“We are taking this recall very seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety of our products,” said a spokesperson for Cox Ice Cream. “We are working closely with our supplier and the Vermont Department of Health to identify the source of the contamination and prevent it from happening again.”

Symptoms of Listeria infection:

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In pregnant women, Listeria infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious health problems for the newborn.

Prevention of Listeria infection:

Consumers can help prevent Listeria infection by following these tips:

• Keep refrigerated foods at 40째F or below.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
• Cook raw meat and poultry to a safe internal temperature.
• Avoid raw or unpasteurized milk and dairy products.

Affected Flavors:

The following flavors of Cox Ice Cream are affected by the recall:

• Sweet Cream Vanilla
• Maple Cream
• Mint Chocolate Chip
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Strawberry

Consumers can check the best-by date on their ice cream packages to see if they are affected by the recall. 

The recall of Cox Ice Cream products serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety. Consumers should always follow proper food handling and cooking procedures to reduce their risk of foodborne illness. You should contact your doctor if you have any concerns about your health after consuming a recalled product.