Nestle recalls Drumstick cones after Listeria found on equipment

There have been no positive test results for Listeria monocytogenes present in Nestle's cones themselves.

Press release from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Glendale, CA - Nestlé USA, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of its Nestlé Drumstick Club 16-count Variety Pack and 24-count Vanilla Pack (with cones marked for easy individual sale) due to a possible health risk. The two pack sizes contain 4.6-fluid-ounce cones and were manufactured in Bakersfield, Calif. and distributed nationally. No other production codes, sizes or varieties of Nestlé Drumstick products are affected by this recall.

The company received positive test results for Listeria monocytogenes (LM) from equipment contact surfaces from a location on the production line where these products are made. There have been no positive test results for LM present in the Drumstick cones themselves. The products impacted by the voluntary recall were put into distribution inadvertently. No illnesses have been reported to date; the company is initiating this recall as a precautionary action to avoid any potential for consumer illness.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious, sometimes fatal, infections

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The Nestlé recall is limited to the Drumstick Club 16 Count Variety Pack and 24 count Vanilla Pack, made at the company’s Bakersfield, Calif. ice cream production facility. The product identification codes can be found on the back of the packages and on the individually marked vanilla cones from the 24 count pack. The two packs being recalled carry distinct UPC codes, as well as a “best before” date and production code.

[Editor's note: See the FDA's recall announcemnet for descriptions and codes of the affected products. The plant celebrated its 25th anniversary on Oct. 5, 2013. Watch this video from inside the Bakersfield plant by John Harte to see the production of Drumsticks and other Nestle ice cream products.]

Consumers who may have purchased the product listed above should not consume it, but instead should return it to the place of purchase or contact Nestlé Consumer Services for replacement. Please call or text 1-800-681-1676 or email Nestleproductinquiry@casupport.com; representatives are available 24/7. News about this recall also can be found on Nestléusa.com and Drumstick.com.