Ice Cream Recall Alert: 110K Rich’s Bars Pulled for Listeria

Okay, real talkdid you just grab a frozen treat from the back of your freezer? Maybe one of those fun, colorful bars with names like "Savagely Sour Cherry" or "Cotton Candy Twirl"? Hold up. Before you take that first delicious bite, we need to have a quick chat. Because right now, theres an active ice cream recall thats flying under the radar, and its serious.

Over 110,000 cases of Richs frozen dessert bars have been pulled from stores in 23 states and even parts of the Bahamasall because of a potential Listeria contamination. And no, this isnt one of those "oops, wrong label" situations. This is about a bacteria that doesnt mess around.

I know. Ice cream? Really? Its supposed to be the comfort food of championsthe go-to when youve had a long day, when the kids are finally asleep, or when summer heat hits like a freight train. But sometimes, even the things that bring us joy can carry hidden risks. Thats why Im herenot to scare you, but to arm you with the facts, gently and honestly, like a friend would.

So take a breath. Lets walk through this togetherstep by stepso you know exactly whats going on, what to look for, and what to do next. Especially if someone in your home is pregnant, elderly, or managing health challenges. This isnt about fear. Its about care.

Whats Recalled?

First things first: which bars are we talking about? If youve got any of these Richs products in your freezer, its time to take a closer look:

• Chocolate Crunch Cake Bar
• Strawberry Shortcake Bar
• Rich Bar
• Crumbled Cookie Bar
• Orange Cream Bar
• Fudge Frenzy Bar
• Cotton Candy Twirl Bar
• Savagely Sour Blue Raspberry Bar
• Savagely Sour Cherry Bar
• Cool Watermelon Bar

These treats are sold in individually wrapped plastic bars, typically packed into larger cartons. You mightve picked them up at your local grocery store, warehouse club, or even a convenience shop. Theyre the kind of grab-and-go treat that feels harmlesswhich makes this recall all the more important.

Now, heres the golden rule: Check the lot number. These recalled items fall under lot numbers #24351 through #25156. Unlike some recalls that rely on expiration dates, this one hinges entirely on that numberusually printed somewhere on the packaging. So if youre not sure, pull out the box, grab your reading glasses if you need them, and take a peek.

Why the Recall?

Youre probably wondering: how does listeria end up in ice cream? Isnt freezing supposed to kill bacteria?

Great question. And heres the not-so-fun truth: Listeria monocytogenes is a bit of a rule-breaker. Unlike most bacteria, it doesnt throw in the towel when things get cold. In fact, it can surviveand even multiplyin freezing temperatures. Yep. Your freezer? Not a safe zone this time.

This recall was triggered by routine testing at the manufacturing facility. No confirmed illnesses have been reported yet (which is a relief), but the potential risk was enough for Richs and the FDA to act fast. The recall was issued on June 27, 2025, and later classified as a Class II recallmeaning the health effects are likely temporary or reversible, but serious complications are still possible, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Let me be clear: listeria isnt your average food bug. Its behind about 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths every year in the U.S., according to the CDC. That makes it one of the deadliest foodborne pathogens out there. And because it can cross the placenta, its especially dangerous during pregnancypotentially leading to miscarriage, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in newborns.

Suddenly, that innocent-looking frozen bar doesnt seem so harmless, does it?

Is My State Affected?

So where is this recalled ice cream showing up? Quite a few places. The distribution covers 23 U.S. states, including:

• California
• Texas
• New York
• Florida
• Illinois
• Pennsylvania
• And 18 others

And yeseven parts of the Bahamas, specifically Nassau, were included in the distribution network. So if youve been on vacation recently or picked up snacks at a resort, its worth double-checking.

Now, the company hasnt released a full list of specific stores or chains. But given the scale, its safe to assume that major retailers in these regions likely carried the product. That means anywhere from Walmart to Kroger to regional grocers couldve had them on shelves. If you used a loyalty card, some stores might send alertsbut dont count on it.

What Is Listeria, Really?

Lets get real for a second. What is listeria, and why does it sound like something out of a medical thriller?

Listeria monocytogenes is a stealthy bacteria. It doesnt announce itself with a funky smell or weird color. Its invisible, silent, and can quietly set up shop in food processing environments for years. Once ingested, it can take anywhere from a few days to over two months to show symptomswhich makes tracing outbreaks tricky.

And those symptoms? They often start mildfever, muscle aches, maybe some nausea. For many healthy adults, it might feel like a weird little flu bug. But for others? It can spiral into something much more serious: meningitis, sepsis, even death. Thats why the FDA takes it so seriouslyeven when no ones gotten sick yet.

If youre pregnant, over 65, or living with a condition that affects your immune system (like diabetes, cancer, or HIV), your body just doesnt have the same fight in it. So while one person might brush it off, another could end up in the hospital. Thats the hard truth about food safety alerts like this one. Its not about panicits about protection.

What Should You Do?

Alright, lets get practical. Youve checked the list. You might even be staring at a suspicious-looking bar right now. Heres exactly what to do:

1. Stop. Dont taste it. Even if it looks perfectly fine. Listeria cant be seen, smelled, or tasted.
2. Check the lot number. Go straight to the packaging. If its between #24351 and #25156, its part of the recall.
3. Throw it awaysafely. Dont just toss it in the trash can. Seal it in a bag or container so pets or kids cant get into it. This stuff is no joke.
4. Clean your freezer. Wipe down the shelves with hot, soapy water or a disinfectant. Listeria can linger on surfaces, even in the cold.
5. Look into a refund. Richs hasnt announced a formal reimbursement process yet, but you can try reaching out through their website or customer service. Keep the packaging if you plan to ask.

I know it feels like a bummer to throw away foodespecially when its something you were looking forward to. But trust me, its not worth the risk. There will be other ice cream days. This one? Best to skip.

Other Ice Cream Recalls Lately

And get thisthis isnt even the only ice cream recall happening right now. July 2025 has been rough on frozen dessert fans.

Brand	Reason	Issue	States
Breyers	Wrong packaging	Rocky Road in vanilla-labeled carton undeclared almonds	Nationwide
Friendlys, Jenis, Chipwich (via Tot)	Listeria risk	Facility contamination	Nationwide
Turkeyfoot Creek Creamery	Allergens	Undeclared soy and wheat	OH, MI, IN

Yep. Mislabeled tubs, allergens you didnt sign up for, and even more listeria scares. Its like the frozen aisle is having a rough month. So maybe, just for now, slow down and read those labelsreally read thembefore you buy or eat anything.

How to Stay Safe

So how do we protect ourselves moving forward? Because lets be honestno one wants to live in fear of their freezer.

Heres what I do (yes, Im that person), and what I recommend:

• Sign up for FDA recall alerts. It takes two minutes, and youll get email updates straight from fda.gov. No fluff, just the facts.
• Use your stores app. Many grocery chains now notify you if you purchased a recalled itemespecially if you scanned your loyalty card. Its like a little safety net.
• Take a photo of lot numbers. Sounds overkill? Maybe. But if you buy in bulk, a quick snap with your phone could save you later.
• Ask yourself: whos most at risk here? If youre feeding kids, older parents, or someone with health challenges, your caution level should go up. Thats not fearits love.

And remember: a food safety alert isnt a sign that the system failed. Its a sign that its working. Companies found the issue. They reported it. The FDA stepped in. Thats the process doing its job. Your job? To stay informed and act when needed.

Why Do Recalls Happen?

You might be wonderingwhy now? Why Richs? Why ice cream?

The truth is, no food is completely immune. Even frozen desserts can be vulnerable if:

• Equipment isnt cleaned thoroughly between batches.
• Raw ingredients (like milk or mix-ins) arrive already contaminated.
• Theres cross-contact in facilities that handle multiple products.
• Temperature control slips during transport or storage.

And once listeria gets into a facility, its tough to evict. It forms biofilmsbasically, slimy little bunkers on equipmentthat regular cleaning might miss. Thats likely why the facility tested positive and triggered this recall. Theyre probably shutting down lines, sanitizing deeply, and retesting before production resumes.

Its not perfect. But its responsible.

Final Thoughts

Look, I get it. Ice cream is more than just dessert. Its celebration. Comfort. Childhood memories. Lazy Sundays. First dates. Late-night cravings. Its tied to joy.

Thats exactly why we have to protect itwith knowledge, with care, with just a little bit of attention.

This Rich's ice cream recall isnt about scaring you away from frozen treats forever. Its about making sure the ones we do eat are safe. And right now, that means checking your freezer, tossing whats risky, and maybe choosing a different brand this week.

If youve got any of those bars, especially with lot numbers #24351 to #25156, please dont brush this off. Do the right thing for you and your family. Check. Toss. Clean. Stay safe.

And heypass this along to someone you care about. Because you never know who might have a half-empty box hiding in the back of their freezer. A quick message could make a real difference.

Food safety isnt sexy. It doesnt come with sprinkles or a cherry on top. But its essential. And in moments like this, its everything.

So stay informed. Stay kind. And when its safe again? Go aheadenjoy that ice cream. Youve earned it.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.