A Publix ice cream recall has been classified as a Class I risk by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after concerns about a potential undeclared allergen. Publix Super Markets initiated a voluntary recall of its Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream on October 14 due to the possible presence of undeclared eggs. The FDA assigned the recall its highest risk level on November 18.
Newsweek contacted Publix Super Markets by email outside of regular working hours for comment.
Why It Matters
According to the FDA, a Class I risk classification is used when there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Eggs are one of the nine major food allergens defined in federal law. The other allergens include fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame, and milk.
In its initial recall notice, the FDA stated that individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs may be at risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume the affected product. Allergic reactions can range from hives and lip swelling to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
What To Know
The recall involves Publix Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream in half-gallon containers. The affected product details include:
- Publix Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream
- 1,452 units
- UPC code: 41415 03043
- Lot code: PLT 13-575
- Sell-by date: June 19, 2026
The FDA reported that the recalled ice cream was distributed to stores in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida. Stores in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Tampa, and Sarasota were not affected, nor were Publix locations in Virginia and North Carolina.
According to the FDA, the half-gallon containers of Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream may have contained Rich & Creamy French Vanilla Ice Cream, packaged with mismatched French Vanilla lids. As of October 14, no illnesses had been reported.
What People Are Saying
Maria Brous, Publix’s director of communications, said in October that the potentially impacted product had been removed from all store shelves as part of the company’s commitment to food safety. She noted that no cases of illness had been reported and that customers may return the product to their local store for a full refund.
Publix customers with questions can contact the company’s customer care department at 1-800-242-1227 or visit publix.com.
The FDA advises consumers with food allergies to read labels carefully and avoid ingredients that pose a risk. Federal law requires food labels to identify the source of all major allergens used in the manufacturing process.
Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, director of New York Allergy and Asthma, previously told Newsweek that allergic reactions send someone to a U.S. emergency room every three minutes. He noted significant increases in the incidence of food-related anaphylaxis over recent decades.
What Happens Next
The FDA lists the Publix ice cream recall as ongoing. Consumers who purchased the product are advised not to consume it and may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.