Nestlé USA Inc. has launched a nationwide recall of an undisclosed volume of ice cream Drumstick cones that were “inadvertently” distributed after the company found Listeria monocytogenes in its Bakersfield, CA, production plant. “There have been no positive test results for LM (Listeria monocytogenes) present in the Drumstick cones themselves,” according to the Nestlé recall posed on the food and Drug Administration website. “The products impacted by the voluntary recall were put into distribution inadvertently. No illnesses have been reported to date; the company is initiating this recall as a precautionary action to avoid any potential for consumer illness.” Listeria monocytogenes can survive freezing temperatures, which, combined with the long shelf life of the ice cream treats, means the recalled products could pose an ongoing threat if they are in consumers’ homes. Consumers can identify the recalled products by identification codes on the back of the packages and on the individually marked vanilla cones from the 24 count pack. The two packs being recalled carry distinct UPC codes, as well as a “best before” date and production code. The recalled products are marked as follows:

Description Production Code UPC Best Before Date Nestlé brand Drumsticks variety pack DSTK Club CP 16×4.6floz US 6244580212 72554-11096 Between June 2 – June 15, 2017 6245580212 6246580212 6247580212 6248580212 6249580212 6250580212 6251580212 6252580212 6253580212 6254580212 6255580212 6256580212 6257580212 DSTK Vanilla 24×4.6floz US 6258580212 72554-00160 Between June 16 – June 19, 2017 6259580212 6260580212 6261580212

“Consumers who may have purchased the product listed above should not consume it, but instead should return it to the place of purchase or contact Nestlé Consumer Services for replacement,” according to the recall notice. “Please call or text 800-681-1676 or email Nestleproductinquiry@casupport.com; representatives are available 24/7.” Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and develops symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about their possible exposure to Listeria. It can take up to 70 days for Listeria symptoms to develop after exposure. Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)