Lidl recalls popular ice cream over dangerous bacteria concerns
October 18, 2026 — Lidl US has announced a voluntary recall of a Gelatelli ice cream product after routine testing detected Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous bacterium that can cause serious illness. The recall,…
October 18, 2026 — Lidl US has announced a voluntary recall of a Gelatelli ice cream product after routine testing detected Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous bacterium that can cause serious illness.
The recall, announced by the company on October 16 and published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 17, affects one specific batch of Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces.
The product was sold in 16-fluid-ounce (1-pint) clear plastic containers with brown lids.
According to the FDA, the affected ice cream was distributed to Lidl stores between July 19 and October 15, 2026, in Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Florida was not included in the official distribution list.
The recall was initiated after routine quality testing detected Listeria monocytogenes in a laboratory sample.
Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly among young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms may include fever, severe headache, muscle stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In pregnant women, the infection can also lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.
Despite the potential health risks, Lidl confirmed that no illnesses associated with the recalled product had been reported at the time of the announcement.
Consumers are advised to check their freezers for the affected Gelatelli product.
The recalled containers carry UPC 4056489722458, lot number 085261, and a best-by date of March 26, 2028. The lot and date information can be found on the bottom of the container.
Customers who purchased the affected ice cream should not consume it. Lidl recommends either discarding the product or returning it to a Lidl store for a full refund. A receipt is not required.
Consumers seeking additional information can contact Lidl US Customer Care at 844-747-5435, Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
The recall highlights the importance of checking food safety announcements, particularly for frozen products that may remain in household freezers for months after purchase.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), October 17, 2026.
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