OAKLAND, CA (February 25, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Dreyers Grand Ice Cream Inc. is recalling select Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Dark Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bars because the product may contain undeclared wheat, making it dangerous for consumers with a wheat or gluten allergy.
According to the FDA, the recall was initiated after the company discovered that certain cartons contain a different ice cream bar that includes wheat but were packaged in boxes that do not list wheat as an ingredient. The agency confirmed that individuals with wheat allergies or celiac disease are at risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the affected products.
Häagen-Dazs recall: Quick summary
Dreyers Grand Ice Cream Inc., producer of Häagen-Dazs, is recalling a limited number of its Chocolate Dark Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bars (3-count cartons) after discovering that some packages may contain ice cream bars with wheat in the coating. Because wheat is not declared on the ingredient label, consumers who are allergic to wheat or who have celiac disease could be endangered. The issue affects specific production lots that were distributed across the United States to major retailers. No illnesses have been reported as of the recall date, according to the FDA. Consumers who have purchased the affected product should check the UPC code and Best By date on their cartons immediately and either dispose of the product or return it to the retailer for a full refund.
Official recall details
- Recall date: February 23, 2025
- Announced by: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Company: Dreyers Grand Ice Cream Inc.
- Product: Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Dark Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bars
- Issue: Undeclared wheat allergen
- Package details: 3-count cartons, UPC 041548104228, affected lot and best-by date listed below
- What consumers should do: Do not consume the product if you have a wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity. Return it to the retailer for a full refund or dispose of it safely.
- Want to know more about what happened? Keep reading.
What happened?
The FDA said Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Inc. issued the recall after a packaging error involving an incorrect ice cream bar being placed in the carton. The unlisted bar contains wheat, a major allergen that must be declared under federal labeling laws.
In its recall alert, the FDA warned: “People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.”
The recall was announced on February 23, 2025, and applies only to the product below:
- Häagen-Dazs® Chocolate Dark Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bars (3-count)
- UPC: 041548104228
- Lot code / Best By: July 10, 2025
The product was shipped nationwide to grocery stores and distributors.
Affected products
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By | Issue | Distribution |
Häagen-Dazs® | Chocolate Dark Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bars | 3-count carton | 041548104228 | July 10, 2025 | Undeclared wheat allergen | Nationwide (U.S.) |
What caused the issue?
According to the FDA notice, the problem occurred when cartons meant for Chocolate Dark Chocolate Chip Bars were filled with a different bar that contains wheat. The company told regulators it became aware of the issue during internal quality checks and immediately coordinated with the FDA to announce the recall.
People with a wheat allergy may experience:
- Hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Anaphylaxis in severe cases
Individuals with celiac disease face additional risks, including severe gastrointestinal distress and long-term intestinal damage from gluten exposure. Children and those with previously diagnosed wheat allergies are most at risk for serious reactions.
As of publication, no illnesses have been reported.
Questions you might have
- Why is Häagen-Dazs being recalled?
Because some Chocolate Dark Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bars may contain undeclared wheat, posing a risk to people with wheat allergies or celiac disease. - Which product is affected?
Häagen-Dazs® Chocolate Dark Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bars, 3-count cartons, UPC 041548104228, Best By July 10, 2025. - How can I tell if my product is recalled?
Check the bottom of the carton for UPC 041548104228 and the side for Best By July 10, 2025. - What should I do if I have it?
Do not eat it. Dispose of it safely or return it to the retailer for a full refund. - Have any illnesses been reported?
No, as of now no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported. - What are possible allergy symptoms?
Hives, itching, swelling, stomach pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis in severe cases. - How did this error happen?
Cartons meant for one flavor were accidentally filled with a different bar containing wheat. - Where was it sold?
The product was distributed nationwide across the United States. - What has the company done?
They stopped distribution of the affected product and are working with the FDA and retailers to remove it. - How can similar recalls be prevented?
By using strict allergen control programs, clear labeling checks, and dedicated production lines for allergen-containing products.
Here’s what you should do
Do not eat the recalled product if you have a wheat or gluten allergy.
How to identify the recalled product
- Look at the UPC code on the bottom of the carton.
- Check the Best By date printed on the side.
What to do
- Dispose of the product or
- Return it to the retailer for a full refund.
Questions? Customers can contact Dreyers Grand Ice Cream Consumer Support at the number listed on the carton.
Behind the brand
Dreyers Grand Ice Cream Inc. produces Häagen-Dazs, Drumstick, and Outshine. The company, headquartered in Oakland, California, has been a leading ice cream manufacturer for decades, producing premium frozen desserts sold in grocery stores and retailers nationwide.
The company stated it has stopped distribution of the affected product and is working closely with retailers and the FDA. Source86 reached out to Dreyers Grand Ice Cream Inc. for comment on how the mislabeling error occurred, but has not yet received a response. We contacted the company and are currently waiting for their response.
Other relevant recalls
This isn’t the first time allergen mislabeling has impacted major ice cream brands. In recent months, several similar recalls have highlighted ongoing challenges in the frozen dessert industry. Zingerman’s Candy recalled their Peanut Butter Crush and Cashew Cow Bars due to undeclared cashews and peanuts.
Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said:
“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability. When allergen controls fail, consumers with life-threatening allergies pay the price.”
Regulatory context
This recall is part of a larger pattern of allergen-related recalls affecting frozen dessert products sold at major U.S. retailers. Undeclared allergens remain the number one cause of all FDA food recalls each year, accounting for nearly 40% of all recall incidents. Over the past six months, several companies across the ice cream and frozen novelty sector have issued similar allergen or contamination recalls, signaling persistent quality control challenges in high-volume manufacturing environments. The FDA has increased enforcement of allergen labeling requirements under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), which mandates clear declaration of major food allergens including wheat, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and soybeans. Industry experts suggest that as production speeds increase and supply chains become more complex, the risk of cross-contamination and mislabeling grows, making robust allergen management programs essential for food manufacturers.
Ensuring safe eats
Undeclared allergens are a principal cause of all FDA food recalls each year. Proper allergen labeling is critical, not just for compliance, but for consumer safety. This recall serves as a reminder that even premium brands with strong reputations must maintain constant vigilance throughout their production and packaging processes. Companies should implement rigorous allergen control programs, including dedicated production lines for allergen-containing products, regular testing protocols, and multiple verification checkpoints before products reach store shelves. For consumers who purchased the recalled Häagen-Dazs® Chocolate Dark Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bars, the guidance is clear: check your freezer immediately, dispose of the product or return it for a refund, and contact a healthcare provider if you experience any allergic symptoms after consumption.
At Source86, we help brands strengthen supply chain visibility, traceability, and FSQA oversight, ensuring that mistakes like this are caught before products reach customers. Our comprehensive approach to ingredient sourcing and private label production prioritizes transparency and precision, helping food manufacturers build allergen management systems that protect consumers and preserve brand trust. Contact us!
