More than 17,800 cartons of ice cream and frozen yogurt have been voluntarily recalled by Wells Enterprises after concerns arose that some products may be contaminated with plastic pieces, according to a notice released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall, announced on April 25, 2025, includes 22 different flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt packaged in 3-gallon tubs, which were distributed to 103 centers nationwide. The affected locations include facilities in Le Mars, Iowa; Wyoming, Michigan; Rosemont, Illinois; Houston, Texas; and Fort Worth, Texas.
What Consumers Need to Know
The potentially contaminated cartons are marked with “Best If Used By” dates ranging from March 2026 through October 2026. While the recall is classified as a Class II event, meaning the risk of serious health consequences is remote, the FDA warns that the ingestion of plastic fragments could result in temporary or medically reversible issues.
As of May 19, no injuries or adverse reactions have been reported, but consumers are urged to check their freezers and consult the full list of affected product codes and lot numbers published by the FDA.
Brands and Flavors Affected
Wells Enterprises manufactures ice cream under multiple private-label and institutional brands. The recalled products were not sold directly to consumers in retail stores, but rather through foodservice channels such as:
- Ice cream parlors
- Schools
- Nursing homes
- Cafeterias
- Restaurant chains
The full list of impacted flavors and batch codes is available on the FDA’s official website, where recall documents provide details including product quantities and identifying codes.
Classification and Public Risk
This Class II classification signals a lower health risk, but one still serious enough to merit widespread notification. According to the FDA, Class II recalls are triggered when a product may cause temporary or reversible health effects and the probability of serious harm is not likely but possible.
Wells Enterprises has not yet issued a public statement beyond confirming the voluntary recall. ABC News and Good Morning America reported the story after FDA documents were made public this week.
What to Do if You Have the Product
If you operate a foodservice establishment or institution and received any of the recalled products:
- Stop serving or distributing the ice cream immediately
- Check the recall codes against your inventory
- Contact Wells Enterprises or your distributor for instructions on returns or disposal
Why These Recalls Matter
Contamination recalls, whether from plastic, metal, or bacteria, underscore the importance of robust food safety protocols. While most recalls are precautionary, they reflect potential lapses in packaging, manufacturing, or quality control processes that can jeopardize consumer safety.
In recent months, the FDA has stepped up oversight across dairy and frozen dessert facilities, especially following multiple Listeria-related ice cream recalls earlier this year.
For the full list of recalled products and official updates, visit the FDA’s recall database.
