Ice pops are being pulled from shelves across four US states after officials warned they may contain ingredients that have been linked to behavioral issues and cellular damage.
De Dios’ Ice Pops, based in New Jersey, has recalled 16 flavors of its popular frozen treats – including mango and pina colada – over the issue.
FDA investigators warned that the ice pops may contain the dyes Yellow 5 or Red 40, not listed on the label, which are additives that give foods bright colors but that have been linked to hyperactivity in some children and, in lab and animal studies, cellular damage that may increase the risk of some cancers.
Officials also said the ice pops may contain milk, pecans or pistachios, which are not listed on the label and can trigger a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction for some people.
The recalled foods were sold across four states – New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut – and were on shelves up until the end of last month.
Consumers are being urged to check their freezers for the products and throw them out or return them to sellers for a full refund.
No illnesses have been reported to date linked to this recall.
Officials said that any De Dios’ Ice Pops purchased in May were not recalled because the company has now updated its manufacturing methods.
A recall has been issued for ice pops sold in four US states in the Northeastern US (stock image)
Shown above are the packaging for six of the ice pops that have been recalled
The recalled ice pops were sold in 3.7oz packages in multiple retailers across the four states.
Flavors subject to the recall were: coco, fresa con leche, arroz con leche, mamey, guayaba, vanilla, rompope, nuez, pistachio, cookies and cream, pina colada, limon, grosella, mango, tamarindo and nanche.
FDA investigators said the recall was launched after an inspection of manufacturing processes used by the company raised concerns over contamination.
De Dios’ was said to have ‘immediately implemented corrected processes’ to avoid this contamination going forward.
Investigators did not detail what these manufacturing errors were.
It was not clear whether the food dyes in the ice pops had now been added to the label or had been removed from the product.
Anyone with questions has been urged to contact De Dios.
About 1.5 million Americans have a milk allergy, while up to 3 million have a pecan allergy – among the most common allergies in the US – and up to 330,000 have a pistachio allergy.
In some cases, the allergies can be so severe that even just allowing milk or pecans to touch the lips can cause someone to have a reaction.
Warning signs of an allergy can include hives, wheezing, itching or tingling around the lips or mouth, coughing or shortness of breath.
In severe cases, a patient can develop anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction where the airways narrow and can block breathing.
Allergies are caused by the immune system misidentifying a substance as a threat and attacking it, triggering the symptoms.
About 82 million people in the US are suffering from at least one allergy.
