Totally Cool Inc. is recalling popular ice cream products from Hershey's, Jeni's, and Friendly's after FDA tests detected potential Listeria contamination, prompting summer sweet treats to take a frosty downturn.

Totally Cool Inc. has put a bitter chill on summer delights by halting production and recalling a wide array of ice cream products after FDA tests flagged potential Listeria contamination in treats from Hershey's, Jeni's, and Friendly's. While no illnesses have been reported, the precautionary move targets beloved flavors and underscores the chilling reality of Listeria's dangers, affecting everything from ice cream cakes to cookies and cream cones.

The recall by Totally Cool Inc. comes as an uneasy surprise to many loyal ice cream connoisseurs. The company has been known for manufacturing some of America's favorite frozen delights, making this recall all the more unexpected. Despite the cool reception to the news, Totally Cool Inc. has stopped production and distribution of the potentially contaminated products as a safety measure.

According to the FDA, the recall was initiated after routine sampling revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause severe infections. Listeria infection can lead to symptoms ranging from mild gastroenteritis and fever to more severe complications, especially for pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. It's a reminder that sometimes, the only thing ice cream shouldn't be 'cool' with is bacteria.

The specific products recalled span a variety of brands and flavors. From Hershey's, affected items include 38 fl. oz. and 110 fl. oz. vanilla and chocolate flavored ice cream cakes, 4 fl. oz. cookies and cream ice cream cones, and 4 fl. oz. Cookies & Cream Polar Bear Ice Cream Sandwiches. Meanwhile, Jeni's sees the recall of 3.5 fl. oz. chocolate silk pie ice cream sandwiches, key lime pie frozen dessert, mint chocolate truffle pie ice cream sandwiches, and triple berry tart pie ice cream sandwiches. It seems even our favorite treats aren't immune to unexpected drama!

ChipWich hasn't been left out of the cold storage recalls either. Affected ChipWich products include the 4 fl. oz. original vanilla chocolate chip ice cream sandwich available in 10 Club Pack, 3 Pack, and 24 Pack, as well as 16 fl. oz. vanilla chocolate chip ice cream pint and 16 fl. oz. mint chocolate chip ice cream pint. It's evident that the recall covers enough products to make every freezer in America shrink in reluctance.

Friendly's will also temporarily part ways with some of its fan favorites. The recall includes 60 fl. oz. celebration ice cream cakes and 40 fl. oz. strawberry krunch ice cream cakes. These confectionery creations will be missed by many, but better they remain absent than become unwanted guests on sickbeds.

Despite the sweeping recall, Totally Cool Inc. assured the public that no illnesses have been reported to date, giving ice cream lovers a sigh of relief colder than their freezer sections. The company emphasized that the recall is purely precautionary, aimed at ensuring consumer safety above all.

Listeria monocytogenes is no stranger to causing concern. It is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, according to the CDC. Symptoms of a Listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, excessive tiredness, severe headache, nausea, stomachache, or diarrhea. These symptoms typically begin within two weeks after consuming contaminated food, giving one plenty of time to second-guess the source of their malaise.

Earlier this year, a deadly outbreak of Listeria linked to queso fresco and cotija cheese led to 23 hospitalizations and two deaths. This recent history of Listeria-related issues adds gravity to the current recall, underscoring the need for rigorous food safety protocols. While it may be inconvenient to part with one's favorite frozen treats, think of it as an unexpected, health-conscious twist to your summer diet.

In response to the recall, consumers are advised to check their freezers and dispose of any affected products. If you happen to have any of these ice cream items stashed away for a rainy day, it's better to rain on your own parade now than face potential illness later. For those who recently enjoyed these treats, monitoring your health for any Listeria symptoms is recommended, though there's hope the recall is just an icy precaution.

For customers seeking more information, Totally Cool Inc. has set up a hotline and an informative section on their website. The move aims to provide clarity and assistance, ensuring that consumers are well-informed and guided through this frosty situation. It's a cool gesture that hopefully melts away some of the uncertainty surrounding the recall.

While it's undoubtedly a bummer to bench some of summer's most beloved ice cream all-stars, safety must always take precedence. Until Totally Cool Inc. reaffirms the safety of their products and your freezer shelves warm up with fresh stock, it might be wise to explore other ways to chill out this summer. Ice cream can wait a little longer; safe indulgence is worth the freeze.