Tropicale Foods recall: quick summary
Tropicale Foods, based in Ontario, CA, has issued a voluntary recall of various ice cream bars and multi-pack frozen treats under the Helados Mexico and La Michoacana brands due to undeclared milk. Although “cream” is listed in the ingredients, the allergen “milk” was not clearly identified, posing a risk for people with milk allergies. The affected products were distributed nationwide at retail locations. One consumer illness has been reported to date. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
Official recall details
Date Issued: July 25, 2025
Company Involved: Tropicale Foods (CA)
FDA Publish Date:July 26, 2025
Products Affected: Frozen ice cream bars and mini pack varieties (see full list below)
Issue: Undeclared milk allergen
Best By Dates: Various (2026–2027)
Distribution: Retail locations nationwide
What to Do: Do not consume if allergic to milk. Contact seller or discard.
What happened?
Following a label audit, Tropicale Foods discovered that multiple frozen dessert products did not properly declare “milk” as an allergen—despite the inclusion of “cream” in the ingredient list. This labeling issue triggered a recall after a consumer illness was reported. The FDA is monitoring the situation.
Affected product details
Brand | Product Description | Best By Dates | Issue | Distribution |
La Michoacana | Coconut (Single) | 10/3/2026 – 5/3/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
La Michoacana | Strawberry (Single) | 10/1/2026 – 5/16/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
La Michoacana | Bubble Gum (Single) | 4/7/2027 – 4/19/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
La Michoacana | Cookies & Cream (Single) | 4/9/2027 – 4/11/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
La Michoacana | Mango (Single) | 2/3/2027 – 4/8/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
La Michoacana | 6-Pack Coconut | 11/25/2026 – 4/12/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
La Michoacana | 6-Pack Strawberry | 6/3/2026 – 6/17/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
La Michoacana | 16-Pack Variety Cream | 3/14/2027 & 3/16/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
La Michoacana | 12-Pack Mini Variety Cream | 9/9/2026 – 4/12/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
La Michoacana | 6-Pack Rompope | 4/24/2027 – 7/14/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
Helados Mexico | 12-Pack Mini Variety Cream | 5/29/2026 – 6/24/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
Helados Mexico | 12-Pack Mini Chocolate Dip Variety Cream | 12/17/2026 – 6/15/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
Helados Mexico | 12-Pack DLR Mini Variety Cream | 12/31/2026 – 5/2/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
Helados Mexico | 12-Pack DLR Mini Chocolate Dip Variety Cream | 1/14/2027 – 6/18/2027 | Undeclared milk | Nationwide |
What caused the issue?
The recall was triggered after a label compliance review revealed that “milk” was not properly listed as a major allergen, despite the inclusion of cream. This labeling failure can pose life-threatening risks to people with milk allergies. One illness has been reported in connection with the recall.
Why undeclared milk is a serious concern
Milk allergies are among the most common food allergies, especially in children. Reactions can occur within minutes of ingestion and may include anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition. Clear allergen labeling is required under U.S. law to protect allergic consumers.
Who’s at risk?
Anyone with a milk allergy or sensitivity.
Particularly vulnerable groups include:
- Children with milk allergies
- Adults with severe dairy intolerance
- People with compromised immune systems
Common symptoms of milk allergy reaction
- Hives or rash
- Nausea, vomiting
- Swelling of lips, face, or throat
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)
Seek medical care immediately if symptoms occur after consumption.
Questions you might have
Is it safe to eat these ice creams?
Only if you do not have a milk allergy. If allergic, do not consume the affected products.
Can milk allergies be triggered by small amounts?
Yes. Even trace amounts can provoke severe reactions in allergic individuals.
What if I already ate the product?
If you are allergic and feel unwell, seek medical attention. If you are not allergic, the product is otherwise safe.
How do I identify the recalled products?
Check the brand, product description, and “Best By” dates listed above. Look for labels from La Michoacana or Helados Mexico.
Has the company issued a recall?
Yes. Tropicale Foods officially recalled these products on July 25, 2025.
Have there been any illnesses reported?
Yes. One consumer illness linked to the undeclared allergen has been reported to date.
Do these products smell or look spoiled?
No. Allergen contamination is not visible or detectable by taste or smell.
What should retailers do?
Remove all affected product from inventory immediately. Notify customers and follow allergen-cleaning protocols.
How do I clean up safely at home?
Use soap and hot water on surfaces, especially where recalled products were stored. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the FDA recall page or contact the manufacturer directly for assistance.
Here’s what you should do
- Check your freezer for products listed above
- Look for brand names Helados Mexico or La Michoacana
- Confirm “Best By” dates match the recalled range
- Do not consume if you or others have a milk allergy
- Return or discard affected products
- Clean any surfaces they may have touched
- Monitor for allergic reactions
- Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms appear
- Contact Tropicale Foods
Behind the brand
Tropicale Foods is a frozen dessert manufacturer based in Ontario, California, known for its Latin-inspired ice cream products. This recall highlights the importance of accurate allergen labeling and routine product audits to protect sensitive consumers.
Other recent recalls include:
- FSIS issues public health alert for Prep Chef products over undeclared allergens
- Sheehan Brothers Vending recalls multiple sandwiches over undeclared sesame allergen
- Wegmans’ recall on chocolate nonpareils over undeclared milk allergen
- Sabores Bakery recalls products over undeclared milk and multiple allergens
- Vita Warehouse recalls vitamin B12 gummies for undeclared peanut allergen risk
- Unilever issues recall of rocky road ice cream due to allergen mislabeling
- Casa Mamita recalls churro bites over undeclared milk allergen
- Hillside Orchard Farms recalls fruit breads and fritters due to an undeclared egg allergen
- Gooder Foods Recalls Goodles Vegan and Truffle Cheddar Products Over Undeclared Milk and Cashews
“This recall reinforces how vital clear allergen declarations are especially in popular, mass-distributed products. Even one mislabeling can endanger lives.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Ensuring safe eats
Food allergen recalls serve as a crucial reminder: ingredient tracking, supplier audits, and allergen compliance must be part of any responsible food safety strategy. That includes retailers, distributors, and manufacturers alike.
Need help sourcing compliant products, reviewing supply chain risk, or managing retail-ready inventory? Contact Source86 today.
