Recalled Ice Cream Could Be Fatal, FDA Says — What DC Shoppers Should Know

A frozen treat recalled by Lidl was recently assigned the Food and Drug Administration's highest-risk classification, meaning it could cause severe health outcomes or even death.

Lidl U.S. Trading, based in Arlington, Virginia, recalled one lot of its Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces in mid-October, and the recall was designated as Class I on Tuesday, according to the FDA.

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The ongoing recall was initiated after routine quality testing identified Listeria monocytogenes on a lab sample, the company previously announced. No illnesses had been reported as of the initial recall announcement.

A Class I recall constitutes "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," according to the FDA.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, and may lead to miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant people, the company's announcement said.

"The health and safety of our customers is our top priority," the company said in its October announcement. "Lidl US regrets any inconvenience related to this voluntary recall."

The recalled gelato was in pint-sized containers with a best-by date of March 26, 2028; a universal product code of 4 0564897 22458; and the lot No. 085261.

The 1,122 units of gelato were distributed between July 19 and Oct. 15 to stores in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia.

Customers should discard the gelato or return it for a refund. For more information, call 844-747-5435 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.