New Hampshire health officials warn against eating Wilcox ice cream because of Listeria

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is advising consumers not to eat certain Wilcox Ice Cream products produced by Wilcox Ice Cream in East Arlington, VT, because testing has shown contamination with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. 

The ice cream has best-by dates of Sept. 13, 2024, through Sept. 15, 2024.

The company is voluntarily recalling the following products:

Consumers should discontinue consumption of the product immediately, according to the state health department. They should dispose of the products or return them to the store of purchase for full credit.  

“Listeriosis can cause serious health concerns,” said Patricia Tilley, Director of the DHHS Division of Public Health Services (DPHS). 

“Foods that are contaminated may not look, smell, or taste any different so there is no way to tell if Listeriosis is present. The Division of Public Health Services is recommending that consumers, restaurants, and retailers check their freezers and throw away recalled ice cream products or return to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

The recall was initiated after a sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes by the state’s Public Health Laboratory. No illnesses have been reported to date. 

Wilcox Ice Cream is sold at food establishments in New England including the Hanover Co-Op Food Store, Lebanon Co-Op Food Store and the Monadnock Food Co-Op in New Hampshire. The state health department will provide updates if additional New Hampshire distribution locations are identified. 

Wilcox Ice Cream is cooperating with state officials to determine the root cause of the contamination. 

About Listeria infections

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalledproductsand developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.