Jolly Rancher Popsicles Recalled Nationwide,137,000 Cases Pose Risk

Nearly 140,000 popsicles have been recalled due to the presence of an undeclared allergen.

Unilever is recalling approximately 137,000 Popsicle Jolly Rancher Frozen Confection Pop single-serve products after they were found to contain milk, one of the nine major allergens, which was not declared on the product label. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that anyone who has a milk allergy or sensitivity is at “risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.”

Only products marked for individual sale are impacted, which have been on sale nationwide. A news release issued by the FDA on August 21 said the popsicles are often sold through channels “such as ice cream trucks, concession stands, and grab-and-go freezers.”

Affected products were sold between February 1, 2024, and August 15, 2024, and bear the UPC code 077567003720 as well as one of the following lot codes:

• MAY1725KY4
• MAY1825KY4
• MAY1925KY4
• JAN3026KY4
• JAN3126KY4
• FEB0126KY4
• MAR1226KY4
• MAR1326KY4
• MAR1426KY4
• MAR1526KY4
• MAR1626KY4

A dedicated website has been set up for the recall, which consumers can visit for more information, including steps on how to be reimbursed if the product was purchased.

There have been two reported allergic reactions in connection with the product, the FDA has confirmed. Newsweek has contacted Unilever for comment via email outside of normal working hours.

There are nine major allergens designated by the FDA: milk, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, egg, crustaceans (shellfish), fish and sesame. Federal law stipulates that these allergens need to be clearly marked on all products.

Allergic reactions, which happen when the body issues an immune response to certain foods, can result in serious illness and can be fatal.

The FDA advises that food-based allergies are a “significant public health concern with allergic reactions varying in severity from gastrointestinal disturbances and skin irritations, to anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock and death.”

Common symptoms of a reaction include hives, itching, and rashes and the skin; gastrointestinal upsets including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping; swelling of the throat and vocal cords; and respiratory issues such as coughing or wheezing. Symptoms of anaphylaxis, which is when a reaction become life-threatening, include a drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.

“If you become ill or have an allergic reaction after consuming a food product, you have the right to report the incident to your local health authority,” Michelle Anstey, manager of regulatory affairs for North America at the National Sanitation Foundation, told Newsweek. “Some consumers can seek recourse if they experience a reaction due to undeclared allergens or misleading food labels.”

Any consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Unilever’s Support Team at (888) 926-3554, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.​