The sweet treat you bought might pose a serious health risk. As of the latest reports, a significant food safety event has rocked the frozen dessert aisle, specifically involving a voluntary Class II recall of Breyers ice cream, a product under the global conglomerate Unilever Manufacturing (US), Inc. This nationwide alert, initiated on June 2, 2025, centers on a critical labeling error that resulted in the undeclared presence of a major allergen: almonds. Consumers must immediately check their freezers, as the consumption of this mislabeled product could trigger severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
This particular recall highlights the persistent challenges in large-scale food production and packaging, where a simple mix-up can have dire consequences. The issue is not contamination by bacteria like Listeria, but rather a dangerous packaging swap where Breyers Rocky Road Ice Cream—which contains almonds—was mistakenly placed into cartons labeled as Breyers Chocolate Truffle, a flavor that does not list nuts as an ingredient. This error affects thousands of units and has prompted a swift response from Unilever and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Essential Checklist: Product Details and Recall Scope
To protect yourself and your family, it is crucial to understand the exact scope of the recall. The affected product is not just any tub of Breyers, but a specific lot that was manufactured at the Unilever facility in Sikeston, Missouri. The recall involves 6,668 cases of the mislabeled product, which were distributed nationwide.
The core problem lies in the discrepancy between the contents and the label. The "Rocky Road" flavor, by definition, contains chocolate ice cream, marshmallows, and almonds, while the "Chocolate Truffle" label only declares ingredients for a chocolate-based dessert, omitting the critical tree nut warning.
Affected Product Identification Details
Consumers should look for the following specific identifying marks on the 1.5-quart cartons:
- Product Name on Carton: Breyers Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream (The actual contents are Rocky Road)
- Container Size: 1.5-Quart Cartons
- Universal Product Code (UPC): 077567457288
- Lot Code (Stamped on the carton): JUL1026GB3
- Best By Date: July 10, 2026
If you have a carton matching these details, you should not consume the product, even if you do not have an almond allergy. The safest course of action is to follow the official recall instructions.
Understanding the Severity: Why Undeclared Almonds Are a Class II Hazard
The FDA classified this as a voluntary Class II recall. This classification is assigned to situations where the use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.
While a Class I recall, reserved for the most dangerous products that could cause serious health problems or death, is more severe, the Class II classification for undeclared allergens is still a major concern.
The Danger of Anaphylaxis
For individuals with a diagnosed tree nut allergy, particularly to almonds, consuming this product could trigger a severe and life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis symptoms can appear rapidly and include:
- Hives or rash
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the tongue or throat (angioedema)
- Dizziness or fainting
- Vomiting and diarrhea
The risk is especially high because the packaging explicitly excludes almonds from the ingredient list, giving consumers with allergies no warning. This failure of quality control bypasses the crucial safeguard that allergy sufferers rely on—the ingredient label. The prompt action by Unilever and the FDA is a necessary step to prevent widespread illness and emergency room visits associated with accidental allergen exposure.
Unilever’s Response and The Failure of Quality Control
Unilever, a global leader in consumer goods with a strong focus on brand integrity, has a robust set of consumer safety protocols and quality assurance systems, including certification to standards like FSSC (Food Safety System Certification).
The company’s internal policies emphasize effective management of consumer safety risks from food allergens. However, this incident demonstrates a critical breakdown in the manufacturing and packaging process at the Sikeston, MO facility. A labeling error of this magnitude suggests a failure in the segregation or verification steps on the production line, where the wrong product was routed to the "Chocolate Truffle" packaging station.
The Role of Traceability and Accountability
The ability to quickly identify the affected batch using the specific Lot Code (JUL1026GB3) and UPC (077567457288) is a testament to modern traceability systems. These systems allow companies like Unilever to pinpoint the exact window of production where the error occurred, limiting the scope of the recall to just the 6,668 cases and preventing a broader, more disruptive market withdrawal. The voluntary nature of the recall indicates that Unilever initiated the action upon discovering the mislabeling, fulfilling its responsibility to public health.
Consumer Action: What to Do If You Have the Recalled Ice Cream
If you have purchased the Breyers ice cream product matching the specific UPC, Lot Code, and Best By Date, you must take immediate action. This is a nationwide recall, and the product should be treated as a hazardous item for anyone with a nut allergy.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Consumers
- Do Not Consume: Under no circumstances should you or anyone in your household consume the product if it matches the recalled specifications.
- Verify the Codes: Double-check the UPC (077567457288) and the Lot Code (JUL1026GB3) on the bottom of the 1.5-quart carton.
- Dispose or Return: Immediately dispose of the product in a manner that prevents consumption by others, or return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.
- Contact Unilever: For questions or to report an adverse reaction, consumers are typically advised to contact Unilever’s dedicated consumer services line. This is a crucial step for both obtaining a refund and for helping the company track the distribution and impact of the recalled product.
The Breyers brand, a long-standing staple in the frozen dessert market, relies on consumer trust. While this recall is a significant setback, the swift and transparent communication from Unilever Manufacturing (US), Inc. regarding the undeclared allergen—almonds—is a necessary measure to uphold food safety standards and protect the public from the severe risks associated with mislabeled food products.
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