Wells Enterprises has recalled nearly 18,000 tubs of popular ice cream brands including Blue Bunny and Halo Top due to potential plastic contamination, threatening restaurants and food service providers across 103 U.S. locations.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Enterprises recalled approximately 18,000 3-gallon tubs of ice cream and frozen yogurt across 22 flavors due to possible plastic contamination.
- The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, indicating potential for “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.”
- Affected products were distributed to restaurants and food service providers like Gordon Food Service, US Foods, Sysco Corp, Johnny Rockets, and Planet Smoothie.
- Products have “Best If Used By” dates ranging from March 2026 to October 2026.
- No illnesses have been reported in connection with the contaminated products as of May 18.
Massive Recall Affects Major Ice Cream Brands
Iowa-based Wells Enterprises has issued a substantial recall affecting nearly 18,000 tubs of ice cream and frozen yogurt distributed to food service providers and restaurants across the United States. The recall, announced on April 25 and reported by the FDA, involves 22 different flavors from popular brands including Blue Bunny and Halo Top. This recall specifically targets 3-gallon bulk containers with “Best If Used By” dates spanning from March 2026 through October 2026, affecting products shipped to as many as 103 locations nationwide.
The contamination issue involves potential plastic fragments in the frozen desserts, prompting the FDA to classify this as a Class II recall. This classification indicates the products may potentially “cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” according to the FDA. Distribution centers implicated in the recall operate from five strategic locations: Le Mars, Iowa; Wyoming, Michigan; Rosemont, Illinois; Houston, Texas; and Fort Worth, Texas, effectively covering a substantial portion of the American market.
Restaurant Supply Chain Impact
The recall primarily affects the commercial food service industry rather than retail consumers. Major food service suppliers including Gordon Food Service, US Foods, and Sysco Corporation received these potentially contaminated products, along with restaurant chains such as Johnny Rockets and Planet Smoothie. The bulk packaging of these products – exclusively in 3-gallon tubs – makes it unlikely for the affected items to be found in typical home freezers, providing some reassurance to retail consumers while focusing concern on commercial establishments.
“cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.” – FDA
While Wells Enterprises has not issued a comprehensive public statement about the recall, standard procedures dictate that businesses in possession of these products should either safely dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase for a refund. Businesses that may have received these products should check their inventory immediately and take appropriate action to protect their customers. The company’s website offers a form for questions or concerns related to the recall.
No Health Incidents Reported
Despite the concerning nature of the recall, there have been no reported illnesses or injuries connected to the consumption of these products as of May 18. This suggests that the recall was initiated as a precautionary measure after the potential contamination was discovered during quality control processes. The FDA’s involvement indicates the seriousness with which food safety authorities are treating the situation, even in the absence of confirmed incidents affecting consumers.
This recall highlights ongoing concerns about food safety in America’s commercial food supply chain, where a single contamination issue can rapidly affect multiple states and businesses. While President Trump’s administration has consistently emphasized reducing regulatory burdens on American businesses, this situation demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining robust quality control measures within the food production industry to protect public health while supporting American manufacturers.
