This Publix Ice Cream Has Been Recalled Due to an Undeclared Allergen. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Food recalls are unfortunately not uncommon in the U.S., with about 500 to 600 recalls happening every year. An analysis of data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that the number of food recalls in the U.S. increased by 20% from 2020 to 2023, according to Food Safety Magazine. While the number increased from 454 to 547, this remains a significant rise and can be concerning for consumers who want to keep themselves and their families safe.

One of the latest food recalls involves Publix brand ice cream that was sold in six different states. The Publix Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream was recalled due to a potential undeclared allergen. What this means is that if you're allergic to eggs, consuming this ice cream could make you sick.

Although it isn't related to this recall, many ice cream and other food recalls are related to a risk of a bacterium known as Listeria monocytogenes. This is the same bacteria that led to a recent FDA recall of tuna salad in seven different states.

In this slideshow, we'll discuss everything you need to know about the ice cream recall and what to do if you've purchased the recalled product.

This post was updated in October 2025 to include new information about a recent ice cream recall.

The ice cream recall includes Publix Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream sold in six states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. The stores in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Tampa, and Sarasota were not affected. Additionally, Publix stores in Virginia and North Carolina were not affected.

Whenever there's a recall, it's important to check the food you have to see if you purchased the recalled products. If you've recently purchased vanilla ice cream from Publix, check your freezer. The recalled product is the Publix Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream in a half-gallon container. It has a sell-by date of June 19, 2026 A.

The Publix ice cream was recalled due to an undeclared egg allergen. Anyone who has an allergy or sensitivity to eggs is at risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product.

However, most of the time, when ice cream is recalled, it's due to the risk of Listeria. Listeria often spreads in food processing facilities and can be difficult to get rid of. Although Listeria can be present in a variety of foods, some foods are more likely to be contaminated, including:

• Soft cheeses
• Raw milk
• Deli meat
• Cold-smoked fish
• Sprouts
• Melons

When someone eats food contaminated with Listeria, it can lead to numerous symptoms. Generally, Listeria infection can lead to an invasive illness or an intestinal illness. While the intestinal illness usually starts within 24 hours of eating contaminated food, invasive illness happens when the bacteria spread beyond the intestines, and symptoms usually begin within 2 weeks after eating the contaminated food.

The most common symptoms to look out for from intestinal illness caused by Listeria are diarrhea and vomiting. The symptoms of invasive illness include:

• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Seizures

If you know you ate food that was recalled due to Listeria or you notice these symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor and monitor your symptoms, especially if you're at a greater risk of illness.

While any individual can get sick after eating food contaminated with Listeria, certain individuals are at greater risk, including:

• Pregnant women
• Newborns
• Adults 65 and older
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

It's rare for individuals who aren't at risk to get severely ill after eating food that's contaminated with Listeria. However, it can cause serious complications for individuals who are at an increased risk of infection.

One of the main reasons why it's recommended for pregnant women to avoid certain foods is because of the risk of Listeria infection. Typically, doctors recommend pregnant women avoid foods like unpasteurized milk products, prepared salads, and deli meat because these types of foods are more likely to contain the bacteria.

Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get sick from Listeria bacteria, according to the FDA. This type of infection can lead to serious complications, such as premature labor or miscarriage. For late-term babies, it can lead to health issues such as paralysis or impairments of the brain, heart, or kidneys.

The good news is, there are many ways to prevent infection in the first place.

Whether you're currently pregnant or are immune-compromised and trying to avoid Listeria infection, here are some ways to prevent it:

• Avoid foods that are a greater risk for Listeria, such as prepared meats, unpasteurized milk products, and refrigerated smoked seafood
• Always keep your fridge at 40 degrees F or colder
• Don't let foods that require refrigeration sit at room temperature for more than two hours
• Clean your fridge regularly, cleaning out any food that has spoiled
• If you're purchasing any ready-to-eat foods, eat them as soon as possible

If you're an individual who is at greater risk of infection and has consumed a product that was recalled, keep an eye on your symptoms and talk to your doctor about any concerns.

If you checked the ice cream you have and it matched the recalled product, throw it away if you have an egg allergy or sensitivity. You can also return it to Publix for a full refund.

Generally, if you have concerns about any foodborne illness, you should report your symptoms to your local health department so they can investigate.