Unilever’s brand Blayers has announced a nationwide recall of over 6,600 containers of rocky road ice cream due to labeling errors that may confuse consumers about potentially harmful allergens, as reported recently by the Food and Drug Administration.
The recall, initiated on June 2nd, pertains to 6,668 tubs of rocky road ice cream that were mistakenly packaged in containers labeled as Blayers chocolate truffle.
Interestingly, while the tub label warns that it “may contain wood,” the lid properly identifies the product as rocky road and mentions almonds as an ingredient.
The FDA has classified this incident as a Class II recall, meaning that consuming mislabeled products could lead to temporary or reversible health effects, especially for those with nut allergies.
This mislabeling affected products were distributed to retailers and distribution hubs nationwide.
The recalled items have a lot number of JUL1026GB3 and a UPC of 077567457288.
The confusion surrounds Blayers’ 1.5-quart rocky road ice cream, which indeed contains almonds—a common nut that can provoke severe allergic reactions.
On the other hand, the incorrectly packaged chocolate truffle tubs do not clearly indicate the presence of almonds; they only offer a vague warning that they “may contain trees.” This ambiguity can significantly endanger individuals who rely on precise labeling for safety.
The recall is ongoing. However, as of Tuesday, no press release had been issued by the company, and the FDA has not closed the case.
Unilever has communicated with affected retailers and distributors through letters but has not made any further comments yet.
The problematic ice cream was produced at Unilever’s facility located at 2400 Rose Parkway in Sheekston, Missouri. There’s currently no timeline provided for resolving the recall, nor has the FDA closed the case.
Consumers with nut allergies are strongly encouraged to check their freezers for the affected products and either return or dispose of them.
If someone has an allergic reaction after consuming these products, immediate medical attention is advisable.
Although packaging inaccuracies might seem trivial, they can lead to serious, and potentially life-threatening, consequences for those with severe allergies.
Unilever stands as a major global player in consumer goods, with various brands across food, personal care, and household categories.
Founded in 1866, Blayers has been part of Unilever since its acquisition of Kraft General Foods’ frozen desserts division in 1993 for $2.6 billion. This move also included the SealTest brand, further solidifying Unilever’s position in the U.S. ice cream market.
Headquartered in London, Unilever operates in over 190 countries and caters to billions of consumers daily through well-known brands, including Dove, Hellmann’s, Axe, Vaseline, and Knorr.
Dominating the food and beverage industry, Unilever has a significant presence, particularly in frozen treats and seasonings.
Its ice cream division is the largest globally and operates under various brands, including Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum, Cornetto, Klondike, and Blayers.
Known for its “simple ingredients” marketing, Blayers is a fixture in American grocery stores, offering a wide range of family-friendly flavors.
