Clearwater, FL — FDA: Rich’s Ice Cream Bars Recalled Over Listeria Contamination

Clearwater, FL (July 21st, 2025) – More than 110,000 cases of Rich’s Ice Cream bars have been recalled after testing revealed potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects a range of frozen treats distributed across at least 23 states, including Florida.

While no illnesses have currently been reported relating to this recall, exposure to listeria can result in serious and potentially fatal infections, especially in high-risk groups. 

From Miami to Jacksonville, our product liability lawyers at Light & Wyatt Law Group represent Floridians harmed by unsafe or contaminated products. That includes foodborne illness cases involving Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. We work with healthcare professionals, microbiologists, and public health experts to determine how and why a product made it to market—and what can be done to make it right.

If you believe you or someone in your family became ill after consuming a recalled Rich’s Ice Cream bar, our team is ready to help. Call 727-499-9900 for a free consultation.

What Is Listeria, and Why Does It Matter?

Listeria is not just another foodborne illness bug. It’s a dangerous, persistent bacterium that has led to hospitalizations, miscarriages, and deaths in past outbreaks. Ice cream and other dairy products are especially concerning when listeria is involved, since the pathogen can survive in freezing temperatures and spread within manufacturing environments. 

Symptoms and Complications of Listeria Infection

Listeria can cause a foodborne illness called listeriosis. Symptoms often appear days or even weeks after exposure and may include:

• Fever and chills
• Muscle aches
• Diarrhea or gastrointestinal distress
• Headache or confusion
• Seizures in severe cases
  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, or premature delivery in pregnant women. Elderly adults and people with compromised immune systems are also at increased risk of hospitalization or death.

How Listeria Gets Into Food Products

Listeria is commonly found in soil and water but can infiltrate food products during manufacturing, especially in dairy-based items. Frozen foods aren’t immune, even though freezing slows bacterial growth. If production lines are contaminated and not properly cleaned, the pathogen can persist for months and contaminate multiple batches.

Which Ice Cream Bars Are Affected?

The recalled products were manufactured by the Rich Ice Cream Company of West Palm Beach, Florida. They were sold at grocery stores, convenience stores, and possibly through institutional food service providers.

Affected products include:

• Cotton Candy Swirl Bars
• Strawberry Shortcake Bars
• Vanilla & Chocolate Ice Cream Combo Bars
• Variety packs containing these items

Consumers are urged to check their freezers for ice cream bars with specific lot codes and expiration dates. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a full list of the affected products on its recall website, and retailers may have additional information.

Legal and Regulatory Fallout of the Rich’s Ice Cream Recall

The recall of a dangerous defective product is often just the start of a much bigger legal picture. Companies that sell contaminated food can be held financial responsible for the harm caused. In this case, even if no illnesses have yet been linked to the bars, legal exposure is still on the table. Both federal regulators and civil courts will look closely at how Rich’s Ice Cream Company handled production, quality control, and public notification.

Is Rich’s Ice Cream Company Liable for Injuries Caused by the Contamination?

Yes—under Florida’s product liability laws, injured consumers don’t have to prove that the manufacturer was negligent. If the product was defective and caused harm, the company can be held financially responsible.

Legal claims may include:

• Medical expenses for hospitalization or treatment
• Lost income from time away from work
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death damages 

Even if no illness has yet been reported, those who become sick after eating these bars could pursue a legal claim if their illness can be tied to the contaminated product.

FDA Oversight and Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices

The FDA will likely investigate whether Rich Products followed current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs). These include regular cleaning protocols, testing programs, and documentation of safety measures. If violations are found, the FDA may issue warning letters, enforce facility shutdowns, or refer the matter to the U.S. Department of Justice.

What Florida Consumers Should Do Right Now

Time is critical when dealing with food recalls. If you have Rich’s bars in your freezer, you should take immediate steps to protect your health and preserve your rights. This is especially true in Florida, where food safety issues are subject to both state and federal oversight.

Check Your Freezer and Return or Discard the Bars

Look for products that match the recalled lot numbers and expiration dates. If you no longer have the box, consider where and when you purchased the product. Many retailers in Florida—especially grocery store chains like Publix, Winn-Dixie, and Walmart—may have carried the bars.

If in doubt, err on the side of caution. These sweet treats should be thrown away or returned for a refund.

Seek Medical Attention If Symptoms Appear

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. If you experience gastrointestinal distress, fever, or flu-like symptoms after eating a Rich’s bar, get evaluated by a medical professional. Be sure to mention the recall during your visit.

Documenting your illness early can make a major difference if legal action becomes necessary. Florida hospitals and urgent care centers are equipped to test for listeriosis if your doctor believes it’s warranted.

Are You Eligible for a Claim?

You don’t need to wait for a mass tort or class action to pursue compensation. Under Florida law, individuals harmed by unsafe food products can bring their own personal injury or wrongful death claim. In these cases, timing and documentation are key.

What to Know If You’ve Been Sickened by a Recalled Product

If you were diagnosed with listeriosis or suffered serious illness after consuming a recalled Rich’s Ice Cream product, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

To build a case, we recommend gathering:

• Medical records showing diagnosis and treatment
• Purchase history or packaging, if available
• Receipts from local stores that may prove date and place of purchase
• Any public health test results related to the product

Even if you no longer have the ice cream bar or box, your legal claim may still be valid. An experienced Clearwater defective products lawyer can help investigate these cases in detail, working with food safety experts when necessary.

Who Can File a Lawsuit?

Personal injury lawsuits may be brought by the person who was sickened—or by surviving family members in cases involving wrongful death. Minors or dependent adults may also be represented by a legal guardian in filing a claim.

Injured by a Contaminated Product in Florida? Contact Light & Wyatt in Clearwater

If you or a loved one suffered illness after consuming a recalled Rich’s Ice Cream bar or another unsafe food product, you may have legal options. At Light & Wyatt Law Group, we represent individuals and families across Clearwater and the surrounding areas in product liability cases involving dangerous or defective consumer goods.

We know how quickly a seemingly minor recall can turn into a serious medical issue. Our team will investigate the circumstances, work with experts to connect the product to your illness, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under Florida law.

Contact our Clearwater product liability lawyers at 727-499-9900 to schedule your free consultation today.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association