Discount supermarket chain Lidl has issued an urgent product recall for specific batches of its Gelatelli ice cream line. Routine laboratory testing detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The safety alert, published in coordination with public health authorities, specifically involves 16-ounce tubs of Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces.
The affected stock was distributed across Lidl retail locations in multiple regional territories between July 19 and October 15. Impacted states include New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Washington, D.C. While company representatives confirmed that no consumer illnesses had been officially reported at the time of the notice, households are strongly urged to check their freezers immediately.
Identifying the Recalled Gelatelli Gelato Tubs
Shoppers who regularly purchase Lidl private-label desserts should inspect the underside of any matching containers currently stored at home. The recalled product is packaged in a clear plastic container topped with a brown lid.
To confirm whether a specific container is part of the recall, consumers must check for two exact coding indicators printed on the bottom of the packaging:
- Product Description: Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces (16 oz)
- Lot Number: 085261
- Best-By Date: March 26, 2028
- Container Type: Clear plastic tub with brown lid
Products featuring different production marks, lot numbers, or expiration windows remain unaffected by this safety notice and are safe to consume.
The Health Risks of Listeria
A widespread misconception is that contaminated food always looks, smells, or tastes spoiled. In reality, food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes generally shows no visible signs of spoilage or changes in flavor, making laboratory screening vital for consumer safety.
Listeria can cause serious and occasionally fatal infections, particularly in young children, frail or older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. , infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths. While healthy adults may experience only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, vulnerable populations face substantial health risks requiring immediate medical supervision.
Recommended Steps for Affected Consumers
Anyone who discovers the affected batch inside their freezer should take immediate precautions to prevent accidental consumption:
- Do Not Consume: Cease eating the recalled ice cream immediately and isolate the tub from other foods in the freezer or refrigerator.
- Request a Refund: Return the container to any local Lidl branch to receive a full refund. Lidl has confirmed that no purchase receipt is required for this return.
- Safe Disposal: If returning the item to a store is not practical, discard it securely in sealed household waste.
- Customer Support: Customers seeking further clarification or assistance can reach Lidl customer service directly at 844-747-5435.
Consumers are encouraged to share this safety update with friends or family members who frequently shop at discount retail supermarkets to ensure no contaminated tubs remain tucked away at home.
