Everything We Know About H-E-B's Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recall
Frequent shoppers of the Southern grocery chain H-E-B may want to scrutinize their freezes more closely this week. The Texas-based company, which has over 400 locations in the U.S. and Mexico, recently announced a voluntary recall of a popular flavor of store-brand ice cream due to a major mislabeling mix-up (via H-E-B).
The recall, posted to the FDA website, revolves around cartons of H‑E‑B Select Ingredients Creamy Creations Light Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, which is part of the company's reduced-fat and reduced-calorie ice cream line. The product was determined to potentially contain an undeclared allergen — wheat — which wasn't listed on the product label.
The mislabeling mishap was identified when customers discovered that some containers of the mint-flavored ice cream contained the company's Creamy Creations Light Cookies & Cream Ice Cream — a product that contains wheat. According to H-E-B, the impacted ice cream was distributed to stores across Texas and Mexico. It was also distributed to Mi Tienda markets throughout the Southern state.
Customers discovered a different flavor of ice cream in the mint chocolate chip cartons
The recall announcement released on the FDA's website shares that the recalled products include half-gallon containers of H-E-B Creamy Creation Light Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream with the UPC number 4122048399 and a best-by date of January 6, 2023. Since discovering the frozen food mix-up, the grocer has removed all the affected ice cream cartons from store shelves. As of now, no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported as a result of this case of mistaken ice cream identity. However, the grocery company urges customers — particularly those with a severe wheat allergy — to return the mislabeled ice cream to their nearest H-E-B store for a full refund.
"People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products," the company wrote in the announcement. While it is unclear if all containers of the mint-flavored ice cream contain the wrong batch, gluten-intolerant ice cream lovers in possession of the impacted cartons should act with caution around the cool, creamy confection.