General Mills conducts a voluntary recall due to non-compliance issue.
Due to the identification of trace levels of 2-Chloroethanol (2CE) found in Häagen-Dazs vanilla products, General Mills, has taken the proactive decision to proceed with a voluntary recall of Plain Vanilla Ice Cream and additional flavors (listed below) in Ireland as a precautionary measure. Product sold in the US, which uses a separate supplier, is not involved with this recall.
Thorough investigations undertaken by General Mills into the root cause of this non-compliance issue indicated that trace amounts of 2-Chloroethanol (2CE) were found in a specific batch of Häagen-Dazs products and this recall is being undertaken as a precautionary measure. It follows investigations which have determined the source of non-compliance as one individual supplier and is limited to selected best before dates of particular products in the concerned batch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Which Häagen-Dazs products are affected?
A: Please refer to the table and specific date codes below:
| Product Name | Pack size | Best before date(s)
|
| Häagen-Dazs Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream | 460ml | 18/03/2023, 30/03/2023, 31/03/2023 and 13/04/2023 |
| Häagen-Dazs Cookies & Cream Ice Cream | 460ml | 27/03/2023, 28/03/2023, 11/01/2023 and 23/04/2023 |
| Häagen-Dazs Pralines & Cream Ice Cream | 460ml | 16/03/2023 and 10/04/2023 |
| Häagen-Dazs Duo Belgian Chocolate & Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream | 420ml | 16/04/2023 |
| Häagen-Dazs Vanilla | 460ml | All best before dates up to and including 21/05/2023 |
| Häagen-Dazs Vanilla | 4 x 95ml | All best before dates up to and including 21/05/2023 |
Q: If I have one of the products from the concerned batches or I simply have a question regarding this topic, what should I do?
A: Consumers who have purchased the affect products involved in this recall are asked to dispose of the product and submit their questions/comments through our online submission form.
Q. What is 2CE and what is the risk?
A: 2-Chloroethanol is a recognised reaction product of ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not permitted for use in foods sold in the EU but is approved for use by other countries outside the EU. Although the consumption of the contaminated batches does not pose an acute risk to health, there is an increased risk if there is continued consumption of contaminated food over a long period of time. Therefore, exposure to this substance needs to be minimised. The levels of the detected substance only marginally exceed authorized thresholds with regards to regulatory standards.