Wells Enterprises Recalls Ice Cream Tubs Over Plastic Contamination Concerns

• Recall Date: April 25, 2025
• Company: Wells Enterprises, Inc., Le Mars, IA
• Product Category: Bulk ice cream and frozen yogurt (3-gallon tubs)
• Issue: Potential plastic contamination
• Product Details: Includes French Vanilla, Mocha Almond Fudge, Rocky Road, and more
• Action: Discard or return affected products

Wanna know more about what happened and how it could affect the industry? Keep on reading!

What happened?

Grab your spoon and maybe a magnifying glass — because Wells Enterprises, one of the biggest names in ice cream manufacturing, is recalling over 16,000 gallons of frozen goodness after discovering plastic pieces might have made their way into the mix. That’s a real crunch no one asked for.

The recall, classified as Class II, was voluntarily initiated by Wells on April 25, 2025, and flagged by the FDA. While no injuries or illnesses have been reported (phew), the presence of foreign plastic material poses a risk for oral injury or choking — especially in bulk environments like cafeterias, restaurants, or foodservice distributors.

Here’s what’s on the no-go list:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
Wells / Ben E. Keith	Mocha Almond Fudge, Vanilla, Rocky Road, etc.	3 GAL	Varies	Various in 2026	Plastic contamination
Sysco	Artificially Flavored French Vanilla	3 GAL	00074865257275	03/28/2026	Plastic contamination
US Foods	Glenview Farms (multiple flavors)	3 GAL	Multiple	Multiple in 2026	Plastic contamination
Gordon Food Service	Gordon Choice Vanilla	3 GAL	00093901820730	10/02/2026	Plastic contamination

How the company found out: Internal investigation flagged potential contamination during production. No public press release has been made, but distributors were alerted via email.

What caused the issue?

This recall isn’t about funky flavors or expired dates—it’s about plastic potentially winding up in your favorite ice cream scoops. Wells Enterprises voluntarily initiated the recall after discovering that plastic foreign material may have accidentally entered certain batches of 3-gallon tubs of ice cream and frozen yogurt during production.

While no injuries have been reported (thankfully!), the presence of plastic pieces in food isn’t just an unpleasant surprise—it’s a serious food safety concern.

Here’s the scoop on the risks:

• Cause: Foreign plastic material contamination during production.
• Classification: Class II recall (moderate risk – may cause temporary or medically reversible health issues, but unlikely to result in long-term harm).
• Health Hazards: If consumed, plastic fragments can pose risks including:
  
  • Choking (especially in children and older adults)
  • Cuts or abrasions in the mouth or throat
  • Digestive tract injuries
  • Stomach pain or internal bleeding if sharp pieces are swallowed
• At-Risk Groups:
  
  • Young children
  • Older adults
  • Individuals with difficulty swallowing
  • People with dental work or mouth sensitivity

Wells Enterprises has not received any consumer complaints or reports of injury, but is acting proactively to protect public safety and ensure the integrity of its products.

10 common questions you might have

1. Q: How do I know if my ice cream is part of the recall?
   A: Check the product’s UPC code, lot number, and best-by date. Refer to the recall list or contact the retailer where it was purchased.
   
2. Q: What should I do if I’ve already eaten some of the recalled ice cream?
   A: If you don’t feel any symptoms, there’s likely no issue. But if you experience discomfort, choking, or injury, seek medical attention.
   
3. Q: What kind of plastic was found in the ice cream?
   A: The specific type of plastic hasn’t been disclosed, but it was likely a fragment from packaging or production machinery.
   
4. Q: Can this plastic cause food poisoning?
   A: Not in the traditional sense—plastic doesn’t harbor bacteria—but it can physically harm the digestive system.
   
5. Q: My tub looks fine. Should I still toss it?
   A: Yes. Even if the product appears normal, it may still contain unseen plastic fragments. Better safe than sorry!
   
6. Q: Will I get a refund for the recalled product?
   A: Most retailers will honor a refund or exchange. Contact the place of purchase with the product info.
   
7. Q: Is this a widespread issue?
   A: Yes, over 16,000 gallons were distributed across 100+ distribution centers in the U.S.
   
8. Q: Can I report an issue if I find plastic in my food?
   A: Yes. Contact Wells Enterprises or file a complaint with the FDA’s MedWatch program.
   
9. Q: Has Wells Enterprises had recalls like this before?
   A: They’ve had previous recalls, though not frequently for foreign material. Each incident is investigated and followed by corrective measures.
   
10. Q: Should I stop buying this brand?
    A: Not necessarily. While recalls raise concerns, they also show that the company is proactive and responsive to potential risks.

Here’s what you should do

Here’s your action plan:

• Don’t eat it – Even if it looks fine. It’s not worth the risk.
• Check the label – Look for the Jet Code and Best By Date on the tub.
• Return or discard – Dispose of it safely or return to the place of purchase for a refund.
• Questions? Contact Wells Enterprises’ consumer line or your distributor directly.

Behind the brand

Wells Enterprises is the third-largest ice cream manufacturer in the U.S., behind big names like Unilever and Nestlé. You might know them from brands like Blue Bunny, Bomb Pop, and Halo Top.

This isn’t their first tango with recalls — although plastic contamination isn’t common, the FDA has seen similar recalls from other brands recently:

• On April 19, 2025, Lamb Weston Inc. voluntarily initiated a recall of 34,801 cases of its frozen Hashbrown Patties due to the discovery of plastic fragments in the product.
  
• On February 11, 2025, Grain Millers Inc. issued a recall for certain batches of regular and quick rolled oats due to the discovery of potential plastic contamination.

“Plastic contamination isn’t just a manufacturing hiccup—it’s a critical reminder of the need for strict equipment checks and packaging control. In an industry built on consumer trust, food brands must stay one step ahead by identifying and addressing risks before products hit shelves. It’s not just about keeping food safe—it’s about doing the right thing.” says Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

In both cases, manufacturers had to respond quickly to avoid potential consumer harm and brand damage.

Ensuring safe eats

This recall is a frosty reminder of how even trusted brands can face unexpected challenges. For manufacturers, co-packers, and private labels, quality control measures like foreign object detection and frequent inspections are critical to avoid costly recalls — and more importantly, to keep consumers safe.

If you’re sourcing bulk ingredients or co-manufacturing foodservice products, here’s your checklist:

• Maintain rigorous QC protocols
• Invest in modern inspection technology
• Regularly audit suppliers and production lines

And, if you ever find yourself facing a product recall — act fast, communicate clearly, and prioritize transparency. That’s how brands stay trustworthy in a crunchy situation.

Want help sourcing high-quality, contamination-free ingredients at scale? Our team is here to help with better, safer sourcing strategies. For more insights, feel free to contact us or explore our range of ingredients. Let’s chat!