Blue Bell Ice Cream Recalled in 16 States Due to Dangerous Allergen Mix-Up

BRENHAM, TX – Blue Bell Creameries has issued a voluntary recall for a limited quantity of its Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream sold in half-gallon cartons across 16 states. The urgent recall, announced on August 24, 2025, stems from a critical packaging error where the nut-containing Moo-llennium Crunch ice cream was mistakenly placed into cartons labeled as Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, posing a severe health risk to individuals with tree nut allergies. [1, 2, 5, 7]

The recall affects major retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Publix, and Target, highlighting the widespread nature of this food safety alert. [1]

The Dangerous Mistake: Undeclared Allergens

The core of the recall lies in a significant mislabeling issue. While the recalled products feature a Moo-llennium Crunch lid, the carton itself is labeled for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. [1, 2, 5] This seemingly minor discrepancy is perilous because Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream does not contain tree nuts, and its packaging therefore does not list them as ingredients. However, Moo-llennium Crunch is formulated with almonds, walnuts, and pecans. [1, 2, 5, 7, 12]

For consumers with allergies or severe sensitivities to these tree nuts, ingesting the mislabeled product could lead to serious or even life-threatening allergic reactions. [1, 2, 5, 7, 12] Blue Bell’s recall notice explicitly states this grave risk. [1]

Widespread Distribution and Affected Retailers

The mislabeled half-gallon ice cream cartons were distributed to retail outlets across a broad geographic area. The affected states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida Panhandle, Northwest Georgia, Southern Indiana, Southern Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Southwest Virginia. [1, 5, 7, 8, 12]

Beyond the initial mention of Walmart, Kroger, and Publix, the recall extends to other prominent grocery chains such as Target, and Kroger-owned subsidiaries like Dillons, Baker’s, and Gerbes. [1] Food Lion also confirmed that 23 of its stores in Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia received the affected ice cream. [1]

Identifying the Recalled Product

Consumers are urged to carefully check their freezers for the recalled ice cream. The key identifier for the affected product is a half-gallon carton that appears to be Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough but has a Moo-llennium Crunch lid. [1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12]

Crucially, the lot number 061027524 is printed on the top of the lid. [1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12] Any product matching this description should not be consumed.

No Illnesses Reported, but Caution Advised

As of the recall announcement, Blue Bell Creameries has reported no illnesses or adverse reactions associated with the consumption of the mislabeled ice cream. [5, 6, 7, 8] Furthermore, the company stated that no other instances of incorrect packaging have been discovered or reported to date. [5, 6, 7, 8]

Despite the absence of reported incidents, the potential for severe allergic reactions necessitates this proactive recall. Food allergies can trigger a range of symptoms, from mild hives and digestive issues to severe anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. The undeclared presence of tree nuts, one of the most common and potent food allergens, underscores the seriousness of this packaging error.

How the Error Was Discovered

The packaging mistake was brought to light by a diligent Blue Bell employee. The individual discovered the incorrect packaging on two half-gallons while restocking products at a retail location. [5, 6, 7, 8] This internal detection mechanism allowed the company to promptly initiate the voluntary recall. The affected ice cream was produced at Blue Bell’s manufacturing plant in Brenham, Texas. [2, 6, 7]

Consumer Action and Company Response

Blue Bell Creameries and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has been notified of the recall, are advising consumers who have purchased the recalled Moo-llennium Crunch ice cream to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. [1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12]

Consumers who have questions or require further information regarding the recall can contact Blue Bell directly. The company’s customer service can be reached at 979-836-7977, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern time (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST). Inquiries can also be sent via email to consumerrelations@bluebell.com. [1, 6, 7, 12]

This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of diligent food labeling and the potential consequences of manufacturing errors, particularly concerning undeclared allergens that can pose life-threatening risks to sensitive individuals. Consumers are always encouraged to read product labels carefully, especially if they or members of their household have known food allergies.