10
Loading video...
By Megan Cartwright
Associate News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified a recall of Lidl US Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato as Class I, its most serious recall category.
Lidl US Trading recalled 1,122 units after a product test returned positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
Newsweek contacted Lidl via email for comment on Wednesday but had not received a response at the time of publication.
Read More on News
...
Why It Matters
Listeria contamination can pose a serious food-safety risk, which is why the FDA's Class I designation represents the highest level in its recall classification system.
A Listeria infection "is an illness caused by bacteria that can spread through many foods" and "can be very serious for pregnant women, people older than 65 and people with weakened immune systems," according to Mayo Clinic.
The classification comes after Lidl initiated the recall on October 16 following a positive test result for Listeria monocytogenes in the product.
What To Know
FDA Gives Recall Class I Designation
FDA records show the agency assigned the recall its Class I designation on November 3.
The affected product is Gelatelli Naturally Flavored Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces, sold in 16-fluid-ounce containers.
Lidl US Trading, based in Arlington, Virginia, is listed as the recalling firm. According to the FDA record, the company initiated the action voluntarily.
Where the Gelato Was Distributed
Products included in the recall were shipped to Washington, D.C., Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia between July 19 and October 15, according to the FDA.
Consumers trying to identify the affected gelato should look for UPC 4 056489 722458, along with lot number 085261 and a best by date of March 26, 2028.
...
Why the Product Was Recalled
The FDA lists Listeria monocytogenes as the reason for the recall, saying the firm received a positive test result for the bacteria in the product.
The recall remains ongoing, according to the agency's current record. No termination date is listed.
Lidl began the recall on October 16, and the FDA record says the public or consignees were notified through two or more methods including email, fax, letter, press release, telephone or an in-person visit.
What the FDA's Classification Means
A Class I recall is the FDA's highest-risk classification. The designation is used when there is a reasonable probability that using or being exposed to a product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Classification is a separate step from the launch of a recall. In this case, Lidl initiated the action in October before the FDA formally categorized it as Class I on November 3.
What Customers Should Do
Customers who have the recalled gelato should discard it immediately or return it to their nearest Lidl store for a full refund. A receipt is not required.
Anyone with questions can contact the Lidl US Customer Care Hotline at 844-747-5435, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Lidl said no illnesses associated with the recalled product had been reported as of its October 16 announcement.
Recent Listeria Recalls
The gelato recall follows several other Listeria-related actions involving dairy products. In June 2026, Clover Hill Dairy expanded a recall to include all of its cheese products over potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The products were sold in several states and Washington, D.C.
Earlier in 2026, Made Fresh Salads recalled assorted cream cheeses distributed in the New York City area after routine sampling found Listeria monocytogenes on part of a mixer used in production. No illnesses had been reported when that recall was announced.
Dairy products have also been associated with previous outbreaks. A multistate outbreak linked to queso fresco and cotija cheese made by Rizo-López Foods was associated with 26 illnesses, 23 hospitalizations and two deaths across 11 states, according to the CDC.
What Happens Next
The FDA continues to list the recall as ongoing, meaning the agency's record does not yet show the action as terminated.
Consumers with Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato can use the lot number, UPC and best-by date to determine whether a container is among the 1,122 units covered by the recall.
Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: John Fitzpatrick and Emma Lee-Sang
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines