The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Unilever is voluntarily recalling limited quantities of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey pints of ice cream and Coconut Seven Layer Bar bulk products in the United States. The reason for the action is that they may inadvertently contain tree nuts including almonds, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts that are not declared in the ingredient list or allergy information list.
Both products include a “Contains Walnuts” and a “May contain other tree nuts” label on the back of packaging. Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to certain kinds of tree nuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the products in question.
The affected Ben & Jerry’s Coconut Seven Layer Bar bulk product is sold in tubs containing 2.4 gallons with a Consumer UPC of 076840104246 and best by date of SEP1520BJ4. The Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey pints subject to recall are sold in 473-milliliter containers with a Consumer UPC of 076840100354 and best by dates of AUG2820BH2, AUG2920BH2 or AUG3020BH2.
The products were manufactured in the United States and distributed exclusively in that market. The Chunky Monkey pints were shipped to retail stores nationwide, while the Coconut Seven Layer Bar bulk ice cream was distributed nationally through wholesalers and scoop shops.
The recall was initiated after an undeclared nut was found during the production operation. While neither Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey-based Unilever or Burlington, Vermont-headquartered Ben & Jerry’s received complaints of illness associated with the products, the decision to voluntarily recall them was made out of “an abundance of caution.”
Unilever’s ongoing investigation shows that the issue stemmed from an error from one of its nut suppliers. The situation has been remediated.
