Over 100,000 Ice Cream Bars Recalled For Listeria Risk And What You Need To Know

I never imagined that my go-to frozen snack could turn into a potential health hazard—but surprise, summer just got complicated.

Rich’s Ice Cream has issued a massive recall of over 100,000 ice cream bars due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Yep, that’s the same dangerous bacteria you definitely don’t want anywhere near your dessert.

But before you panic and toss every frozen treat in your freezer, let’s break down what’s really going on—and how to stay safe without losing your cool.

1. Which Products Are Being Yanked From Freezers?

Let’s get to the heart of it: this recall specifically targets several Rich’s Ice Cream bars, and honestly, some of them are total classics—the kind you’d reach for on a sweltering afternoon without thinking twice. From the creamy Strawberry Shortcake Bars and crunchy Chocolate Crunch Cake Bars to nostalgic favorites like Rich Bars, Fudge Frenzy, Orange Cream, Cool Watermelon, and even the zingy Savagely Sour Bars, these frozen treats were widely loved—and widely distributed.

They were sold across 23 states—especially throughout the South—but the impact isn’t limited by geography. This is a nationwide concern. The good news? Not every Rich’s product is affected. The recall only includes specific lot numbers and production batches, identified after routine testing uncovered potential Listeria contamination.

The company officially initiated the recall with the FDA on June 27, and it has been classified as a Class II recall—defined as a situation where use of or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, with a remote chance of serious harm.

2. Spotting The Suspicious Sweets In Your Freezer

Last weekend, I was rummaging through my freezer for a midnight snack when I remembered the recall news—and suddenly that box of ice cream didn’t seem so innocent. If you’re wondering whether your favorite bars are affected, here’s how to find out: check for the Rich’s brand name, then look for lot numbers ranging from 24351 to 25156, printed either on the outer box or individual wrappers.

These bars were distributed in 23 states, including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. But make no mistake—even if you’re outside the South, the reach is national.

The tricky part? These contaminated bars may look, smell, and taste totally normal. Listeria doesn’t alter the appearance, texture, or scent of food. The only reliable way to know is by reading the label—so if Rich’s is in your freezer, take a few seconds to double-check.

3. Listeria’s Sneaky Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

A few years ago, my aunt battled listeria—and it started with what she thought was just a mild stomach bug. That’s part of what makes this bacteria so dangerous: the early symptoms are easy to overlook. Think fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea—nothing that would immediately raise red flags for most people.

But Listeria monocytogenes can take its time. While some people show symptoms within days, others might not feel a thing for up to two months. Once it spreads beyond the digestive system, it can affect the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, confusion, or even seizures.

For healthy adults, it usually leads to a very unpleasant week—but for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system, the risks are far more severe. This isn’t something you want to roll the dice on.

4. Steps To Take If You’ve Consumed The Product

Whoops—so you ate one before seeing the recall? You’re not alone. The first thing to remember is: don’t panic. Most healthy people who consume listeria-contaminated food won’t develop serious illness. But there are still some steps you should take.

If you saved the packaging, check the lot number to see if your product was affected. If you didn’t, monitor yourself for symptoms like fever, muscle aches, nausea, or any unusual discomfort—especially over the next few weeks. If anything feels off, call your doctor and mention the possible exposure.

And if you’re in a high-risk category—pregnant, elderly, immunocompromised—it’s wise to speak with a healthcare provider proactively, even before symptoms start. When it comes to listeria, caution is your best defense.