Paleteria recall: Quick summary
Paleteria La Providencia, based in Smyrna, GA, is recalling select ice cream popsicles due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious or even life-threatening illness. The affected popsicles were distributed via mobile frozen dessert carts and convenience stores in the Atlanta, Georgia area. The recall includes Coconut, Cookies & Cream, and Coffee flavors with specific date codes. No illnesses have been reported so far. Consumers are urged not to consume the products and to discard or return them. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
Official recall details
Date Issued: July 18, 2025
Announced By: Georgia Department of Agriculture
Company Involved: Paleteria La Providencia (Georgia)
Products Affected: Coconut, Cookies & Cream, and Coffee ice cream popsicles
Issue: Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
Date Codes:
- Coconut: 6/17/25
- Coffee: 6/11/25
Distribution: Mobile dessert carts and convenience stores in the Atlanta metro area
What to Do: Discard or return product, and monitor for symptoms if consumed
What happened?
Paleteria La Providencia initiated the recall after routine testing by the Georgia Department of Agriculture returned positive results for Listeria species in finished product samples. The manufacturer’s distribution records were incomplete, prompting an investigation to identify affected retail locations.
Affected product details
Brand | Product | Date Code | Issue | Distribution Locations |
Paleteria La Providencia | Coconut Popsicle | 6/17/25 | Listeria contamination | Mobile carts, Atlanta-area convenience stores |
Paleteria La Providencia | Cookies & Cream Popsicle | 6/17/25 | Listeria contamination | Mobile carts, Atlanta-area convenience stores |
Paleteria La Providencia | Coffee Popsicle | 6/11/25 | Listeria contamination | Mobile carts, Atlanta-area convenience stores |
What caused the issue?
Routine product testing conducted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture identified the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The company’s distribution tracking was found to be incomplete, complicating the recall process and expanding the risk.
Why Listeria is a serious concern
Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe infections, especially in high-risk groups. Unlike many foodborne bacteria, Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures and can cause life-threatening complications.
Who’s at risk?
Pregnant women, older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems (e.g., cancer patients, transplant recipients) are at highest risk of complications from Listeria infection.
Common symptoms of Listeria infection
- Persistent fever
- Vomiting or nausea
- Severe headache
- Muscle aches
- Neck stiffness
- In pregnant women: miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn infection
Questions you might have
Is it safe to eat these popsicles right now?
Only if they don’t have the affected date codes. Check for: Coconut (6/17/25), Cookies & Cream (6/17/25), or Coffee (6/11/25).
Can Listeria be killed by freezing or cooking?
Freezing doesn’t kill Listeria, and because these are ready-to-eat frozen desserts, there’s no cooking step to eliminate the bacteria.
What if I already ate the recalled product?
Monitor for symptoms of Listeria infection for up to 70 days. Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
Where is the date code located?
Date codes are typically printed on the product packaging or plastic wrapper.
Can I return the product?
Yes. If you still have the product, return it to the point of purchase or dispose of it safely.
Have any illnesses been reported?
No, as of now, there are no confirmed cases of illness associated with this recall.
Are other Paleteria La Providencia products recalled?
No. Only Coconut, Cookies & Cream, and Coffee popsicles with the listed date codes are affected.
How can Listeria affect me?
Listeria can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or in severe cases, death—especially in vulnerable populations.
Who should avoid this product?
Everyone should avoid consuming the recalled products, especially those in high-risk groups.
Where can I get more information?
Contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture or visit their website for updates.
Here’s what you should do
- Look for date codes 6/17/25 and 6/11/25.
- If you have them, do not eat them.
- Discard them or return them to the place of purchase.
- Monitor for symptoms if consumed.
- Contact Paleteria La Providencia: +1 770-805-9295
Behind the brand
Paleteria La Providencia is a Georgia-based frozen dessert company known for traditional paletas sold throughout the Southeast via mobile vendors and small retailers. This recall highlights the importance of thorough distribution tracking and proactive food safety measures.
Other recent recalls include:
- LLK Trading recalls needle mushrooms due to Listeria contamination risk
- Wiet Peeters recalls sliced mushrooms due to Listeria contamination risk
- Ruck’s recalls sausage products due to Listeria contamination
- Kraft Heinz recalls over 367,000 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon due to Listeria risk
- Face Rock Creamery recalls Vampire Slayer garlic cheddar curds due to Listeria risk
- FreshRealm recalls products due to Listeria contamination risk
“This recall highlights how crucial it is for food brands to maintain rigorous allergen controls and transparent labeling. Protecting consumers, especially those with sensitivities, requires constant vigilance and clear communication across the entire supply chain.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Ensuring safe eats
Listeria recalls emphasize the need for routine testing, clear distribution records, and rapid communication. For frozen and ready-to-eat products, keeping consumers safe requires complete traceability and supplier oversight.
Bulk buyers, co-manufacturers, and private-label partners should review their internal food safety plans regularly to ensure rapid response during events like this.
Need help managing food safety risks or sourcing Listeria-tested products? Contact Source86 for guidance. You can also explore our bulk ingredient offerings and private label solutions!
