Ice Pops Sold In Texas Recalled For Possible Listeria

A Denver food plant that makes ice pops and ice cream treats has stopped production after state inspectors found evidence of Listeria monocytogenes. The Denver plant of West Virginia-based Ziegenfelder Company announced that they recalled 3,000 cases of Budget $aver Cherry Pineapple Monster Pops and Sugar Free Twin Pops because the products have the potential to be contaminated, the FDA said. The products were distributed to grocers in Texas during a 15-day period from April 5 through April 19.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, the FDA said in a statement. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

No illnesses or incidents involving the product have been reported to date, the FDA reported.

The ice pops also were distributed to retail grocers and distributors in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

According to the FDA:

The frozen products were sold 12 to a package under the brand names Budget $aver Cherry Pineapple Monster Pops and Sugar Free Twin Pops. The Cherry Pineapple Monster Pops carry the UPC code 0-74534-84200-9, and have lot codes D09418A through D10018B. The Sugar Free Pops carry the UPC code 0-74534-75642-9, and have lot codes D09318A through D10018B.

The Denver plant has ceased production and distribution of the fruit flavored treats until the problem can be identified, the FDA said.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment conducts foodborne-illness safety inspections when companies register or re-register for food manufacturing and storage licenses.

"We work closely with the FDA and its state counterparts during these occasional routine inspections because like families everywhere, we want to be certain we are providing safe food and frozen treats for our friends and loved ones," said Ziegenfelder CEO Lisa Allen in a statement. "We're very sorry for this temporary disruption of service and deeply regret any concerns or problems we have caused the people who depend on us for affordable, quality frozen treats. We hope to be back in operation at our Denver facility as soon as possible and we thank our loyal retailer stores and customers for their continued trust in us and in our products."

Image via FDA