Rich’s recall: quick summary
Rich’s Ice Cream, based in West Palm Beach, FL, is recalling 110,292 cases of frozen treats due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria that can cause serious illness or death. The affected products include a variety of individually wrapped ice cream bars and novelties distributed nationwide via school vendors and mobile ice cream trucks. The recall spans 26 U.S. states and the Bahamas. No illnesses have been reported so far. Consumers should not eat the listed products and should dispose of or return them immediately. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
Official recall details
Date Issued: July 21, 2025
Announced By: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Company Involved: Rich’s Ice Cream (Florida)
Products Affected: Ice cream bars and frozen novelties
Issue: Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
Lot Numbers: 24351 through 25156
Distribution: Florida, California, Missouri, Texas, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Alabama, Arizona, Iowa, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the Bahamas
What to Do: Discard product or return to distributor
What happened?
Rich’s Ice Cream voluntarily recalled over 110,000 cases of ice cream bars and frozen novelties after internal testing identified potential Listeria contamination. Although distributors were notified on June 27, the recall was not publicly communicated until flagged by the FDA. These products were primarily sold to schools and distributed via wholesale partners and vending trucks commonly referred to as “the ice cream man.”
Affected product details
Brand | Product Name | Lot Numbers | Issue | Distribution |
Rich’s | Chocolate Crunch Cake Bar | 24351–25156 | Listeria contamination | U.S. & Bahamas |
Rich’s | Strawberry Shortcake Bar | 24351–25156 | Listeria contamination | U.S. & Bahamas |
Rich’s | Rich Bar | 24351–25156 | Listeria contamination | U.S. & Bahamas |
Rich’s | Crumbled Cookie Bar | 24351–25156 | Listeria contamination | U.S. & Bahamas |
Rich’s | Orange Cream Bar | 24351–25156 | Listeria contamination | U.S. & Bahamas |
Rich’s | Fudge Frenzy Bar | 24351–25156 | Listeria contamination | U.S. & Bahamas |
Rich’s | Cotton Candy Twirl Bar | 24351–25156 | Listeria contamination | U.S. & Bahamas |
Rich’s | Savagely Sour BlueRaspberry Bar | 24351–25156 | Listeria contamination | U.S. & Bahamas |
Rich’s | Savagely Sour Cherry Bar | 24351–25156 | Listeria contamination | U.S. & Bahamas |
Rich’s | Cool Watermelon Bar | 24351–25156 | Listeria contamination | U.S. & Bahamas |
What caused the issue?
The potential contamination was identified through internal testing, though the company has not released detailed information about the specific source. Due to the widespread distribution of these products across school systems and mobile vendors, the FDA issued an alert to ensure public awareness.
Why Listeria is a serious concern
Listeria monocytogenes can survive refrigeration and freezing and poses a serious risk, especially in ready-to-eat foods like ice cream. Infection can lead to life-threatening complications, particularly in high-risk populations.
Who’s at risk?
High-risk groups include:
- Pregnant women
- Older adults
- Infants and young children
- People with weakened immune systems (e.g., cancer patients, transplant recipients)
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 Rich’s Ice Cream products right now?
Only if they are not from Lot No. 24351–25156. Double-check the lot number on the wrapper or case.
Can Listeria be killed by freezing or refrigeration?
No. Listeria can survive and even grow in cold environments.
What if I already ate the recalled product?
Monitor for symptoms for up to 70 days. If symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider.
Where can I find the lot number?
The lot number is printed on the outer packaging or directly on the ice cream bar wrapper.
Can I return the recalled products?
Yes. Return the products to the place of purchase or follow disposal instructions provided by the distributor.
Have any illnesses been reported?
As of July 21, 2025, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall.
Are other Rich’s products affected?
Only those listed with the lot numbers 24351–25156 are affected.
How can Listeria affect people?
It can lead to meningitis, hospitalization, or death—especially in vulnerable individuals.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the FDA’s official website or contact your local health department.
Here’s what you should do
- Check your freezer for the recalled ice cream bars
- Look for lot numbers 24351–25156
- Do not consume them
- Discard them or return them to the distributor
- Sanitize any surfaces they may have touched
- Monitor for symptoms if consumed
- Contact your doctor if you feel unwell
- Contact Rich’s Ice Cream: +1 (561) 833-7585
Behind the brand
Rich’s Ice Cream is a long-standing frozen dessert company supplying schools and wholesale distributors across the U.S. and the Bahamas. This recall reinforces the need for transparent communication, rigorous testing, and responsible distribution in the frozen novelty market.
Other recent recalls include:
- Reser’s Fine Foods recalls tuna salad over Listeria contamination risk
- Paleteria La Providencia recalls popsicles over Listeria contamination risk
- LLK Trading recalls needle mushrooms due to Listeria contamination
- Wiet Peeters recalls sliced mushrooms due to Listeria contamination
- 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 is a reminder that rigorous cold-chain control and proactive transparency are essential in the frozen foods category. Safety and traceability must go hand in hand.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Ensuring safe eats
Listeria recalls are a serious reminder for food brands to regularly audit suppliers, verify ingredient safety, and maintain traceable records. Bulk buyers, co-manufacturers, and private label brands should have clear recall action plans and robust vendor screening protocols in place.
Need help identifying tested, safe suppliers or managing recall risks? Or just want to source some bulk ingredients or private label solutions? Contact Source86 today!
