A frozen dessert sold in seven states has been recalled over concerns that cross-contamination could trigger life-threatening allergic reactions.
In a recall notice shared to the website of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) on Wednesday, consumers were warned that Yummy Foods brand “Yummy Swirly Ices” products “may contain traces of milk.”
The recalled desserts were sold in boxes with a printed “Yummy” logo at independent kosher supermarkets in the following seven states: New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, Chicago, Florida and California.
Products potentially affected by the cross-contamination issue are labeled with the lot numbers “8/2” and “69/1” and expiration dates of “5/28/2026” and “5/30/2026,” although the entire line is being recalled.
“Yummy Swirly Ices” are sold in the following flavors: Swirly Tropical Melon, Swirly Berry Blast, Swirly Tropical Tornado, Swirly Churning Cherry and Swirly Variety Pack.
The company highlighted that the recall was “not a kashrus concern and the products are all considered kosher parve as confirmed by the cRc kashrus agency.” The reason for the cross-contamination remains under investigation.
The recall was initiated after a customer complained to the company about “feelings of discomfort” when consuming one of the desserts. It was unclear if there were any other reports of adverse health effects related to the recall.
Newsweek reached out for comment to Yummy Foods via email on Wednesday.
While an unexpected ingredient like milk may be of little concern to most consumers, cross-contamination runs the risk of triggering the potentially deadly condition of anaphylaxis in those with a milk allergy.
Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention and causes symptoms that include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Other symptoms of serious allergic reactions include rashes, hives, itching, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
Milk is considered one of nine ” major food allergens” by the FDA. The other major allergens include: eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. About 6 percent of U.S. adults and 8 percent of children have at least one food allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In addition to allergy concerns, milk poses a risk for people with lactose intolerance, which is an inability to properly digest a type of sugar that is present in dairy products.
Some people with lactose intolerance use supplements containing lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, to prevent symptoms of the condition before knowingly consuming dairy products.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea and abdominal pain, according to the National Institutes of Heath. The condition can also lead to long-term adverse health effects by blocking the absorption of calcium and vitamin D.
