WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Consumers in Florida may want to double-check their freezers after a popular organic ice cream brand announced a recall affecting products sold in the state and across much of the country.
Straus Family Creamery issued a voluntary recall of select flavors of its organic ice cream due to the potential presence of metal fragments, according to the company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The recall affects a limited number of production runs — not all products — but includes several well-known flavors such as vanilla bean, strawberry, cookie dough, Dutch chocolate, and mint chip in pint and quart sizes.
Florida is among 17 states where the affected products were distributed, meaning the ice cream was available for purchase locally. The full list of states includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Officials say the recalled ice cream began appearing on store shelves around May 4, increasing the chances that some customers may still have it at home. Consumers can check whether their carton is affected by looking at the “best by” date printed on the bottom of the container, as only certain batches are included.
Ice cream sold across Florida is part of a 17-state recall over the potential presence of metal fragments. (Straus Family Creamery)
So far, no injuries or illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall. Still, the possible presence of metal fragments poses a safety risk, prompting the company to act out of an abundance of caution.
Straus Family Creamery says it is working with retailers — including those in Florida — and federal officials to remove the impacted products from store shelves. The company added that corrective steps have already been taken and that food safety remains a top priority.
Consumers who believe they may have purchased a recalled product are advised not to eat it and instead discard it. Rather than returning it to the store, customers can request a voucher online for a replacement.
The bottom line for Florida shoppers: while not every Straus ice cream product is affected, it’s worth taking a moment to check the label before your next scoop.