Contact:
Barry F. Scher
301-341-4712
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Jessup, MD -- June 6, 2005 -- Giant Food's Ice Cream Processing Plant is recalling private label Chocolate Chip Ice Cream the company produced for Tops Markets and Giant Food Stores because it may contain undeclared pecans. People who have allergies to pecans run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The recalled Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, manufactured by Giant's ice cream processing plant, was distributed to Tops Markets, headquartered in Buffalo, N.Y., to their stores in Ohio and New York. The product was also distributed to Giant Food Stores, based in Carlisle, PA, to their stores in Pennsylvania, and their Martin's Food Stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. All affected Chocolate Chip Ice Cream has been removed from sale.
The product was packaged in a two-piece 1/2 gallon paperboard container with a sell by date of Feb 24 2006. The lid is labeled as Butter Pecan Ice Cream while the tub is labeled as Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. The actual product in the container is Butter Pecan Ice Cream.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after a customer in a Tops store in Northeastern Ohio identified the packaging discrepancy and immediately notified store management. Subsequent investigation indicated that procedural errors during manufacturing caused the packaging problem.
Consumers who have purchased Giant or Tops brand ice cream in 1/2 gallon containers with mixed labeling are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions should call 301-341-4322.
