# Häagen-Dazs Recall Alert: Chocolate Coated Vanilla Ice Cream Bars Pulled Nationwide
A trip to the freezer for a sweet treat is a simple pleasure, but a recent announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put a pause on that indulgence for some consumers. Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for its Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Coated Vanilla Ice Cream Bars due to a potential contamination risk. This nationwide **Häagen-Dazs recall** affects a specific batch of the popular dessert, prompting consumers across the country to check their freezers.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about the recall: which specific product is affected, why it’s being recalled, what you should do if you have it, and how to stay informed about food safety.
## What Exactly Is Being Recalled?
It’s important to note that this is a limited, voluntary recall affecting only one specific product and batch. The vast majority of Häagen-Dazs products are not included in this safety alert. The recall is a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety.
### Identifying the Recalled Product
The product at the center of this **Häagen-Dazs recall** is the 3-pack of Chocolate Coated Vanilla Ice Cream Bars. Here are the precise details you need to check on the packaging in your freezer:
* **Product:** Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Coated Vanilla Ice Cream Bars
* **Package Size:** 3-pack (each bar is 1.86 fl oz)
* **UPC Code:** 074570084001
* **”Best By” Dates:** The recall applies to packages with “Best By” dates ranging from **May 1, 2025, to May 29, 2025**.
You can typically find the UPC code near the barcode on the box, and the “Best By” date is usually printed on the side or bottom panel of the packaging. If your product matches all three of these identifiers—the product name, the UPC, and a “Best By” date within that May 2025 range—it is part of the recall.
### Are Other Häagen-Dazs Products Affected?
No. Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Inc. has explicitly stated that this recall is confined to the specific 3-pack of Chocolate Coated Vanilla Ice Cream Bars with the listed UPC and “Best By” dates. No other Häagen-Dazs products, including other ice cream bar varieties, cartons, or flavors, are impacted by this action.
## The Reason Behind the Häagen-Dazs Recall
The official reason for the recall is the potential presence of “extraneous material.” While that term may sound vague, the company has specified the concern is related to flexible plastic pieces from a piece of manufacturing equipment.
### What is “Extraneous Material” in Food?
In food safety terms, “extraneous material” refers to any foreign object that is not supposed to be in a food product. This can include things like metal, glass, plastic, wood, or stones. The presence of such materials renders the food unsafe for consumption, as it can pose a significant health risk. In this case, the concern is small pieces of plastic.
These materials can cause various injuries, including:
* Choking or suffocation hazards.
* Cuts or damage to the mouth, throat, or digestive system.
* Dental damage.
The company initiated this **Häagen-Dazs recall** out of an abundance of caution after a consumer complaint led to the discovery of the issue. Thankfully, as of the initial announcement, there have been no reports of illnesses or injuries associated with the recalled product.
## What Should You Do if You Have the Recalled Ice Cream?
If you’ve checked your freezer and discovered you have the affected product, it is crucial that you follow these steps to ensure your safety and receive a proper resolution.
### Step 1: Do Not Eat the Product
The most important step is to immediately stop anyone in your household from consuming the ice cream bars. Even if they look fine, the potential risk of embedded plastic material is not worth taking. Dispose of the product or prepare it for return.
### Step 2: Return It for a Full Refund
You should return the product to the store where you originally purchased it. Retailers are aware of the recall and will provide you with a full refund. You typically do not need a receipt, as the product packaging itself is proof of purchase in a recall situation.
### Step 3: Contact Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream for More Information
If you have questions or are unable to return the product to the store, you can contact Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream directly. Their consumer services team is available to assist with any concerns related to this **Häagen-Dazs recall**. You can reach them by calling or visiting their official website for contact details. This is also a good option if you have already discarded the product but want to inquire about a refund.
## A Nationwide Recall: Where Were the Bars Sold?
This recall is not limited to a specific state or region. The affected Häagen-Dazs ice cream bars were distributed to retailers across the United States. This includes major grocery chains, convenience stores, and other outlets that carry the brand. Because the distribution was nationwide, consumers in every state should take a moment to check their freezers for the recalled product.
## Understanding Food Recalls and Staying Safe
Food recalls are a critical part of our nation’s food safety system. They happen when a product is found to be unsafe for consumption and needs to be removed from the market. Understanding how they work can empower you as a consumer.
### Voluntary vs. Mandatory Recalls
This **Häagen-Dazs recall** is classified as “voluntary.” This means the company, Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Inc., initiated the recall on its own after discovering the potential issue. This is a common and responsible practice. Companies often work closely with regulatory agencies like the FDA to ensure the process is handled correctly and the public is informed promptly.
In other, more severe cases, the FDA can request a recall or issue a mandatory recall if a company is unwilling to remove a dangerous product from the market.
### How to Stay Informed About Food Safety
Being proactive is the best way to protect yourself and your family from potentially unsafe food products. Here are a few reliable resources:
* **FDA Website:** The FDA maintains a real-time database of all current recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts at [FDA.gov/safety/recalls](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls). You can check this site regularly or sign up for email updates.
* **USDA Website:** For recalls related to meat, poultry, and egg products, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the primary source.
* **Retailer Alerts:** Many grocery store chains offer recall alerts to their loyalty program members via email or mobile app notifications.
By staying informed, you can act quickly when a recall is announced for a product you may have in your home.
In summary, check your freezer for the Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Coated Vanilla Ice Cream Bars (3-pack) with a “Best By” date between May 1 and May 29, 2025. If you have it, do not eat it. Return it to the store for a full refund. This proactive step helps ensure the simple pleasure of an ice cream treat remains a safe one.
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