Weeks after dancer’s death, another recall for undeclared peanuts

Byrne Dairy is recalling half-gallon cartons of chocolate ice cream sold by Walmart and other retailers in upstate New York because the ice cream may contain undeclared peanuts, posing the risk of a serious or life-threatening reaction to those who are allergic to the nuts. 

The recall is notable in that it comes nearly three weeks after the death of a young woman spurred another company to recall cookies containing peanuts not listed on the product’s label. 

Órla Baxendale, 25, had a fatal allergic reaction on January 11. Friends say she checked the ingredients before eating a cookie purchased from a Stew Leonard’s grocery store in Connecticut.

The latest recall involves Byrne Dairy Mighty Fine Chocolate Ice Cream with a last date of sale of Oct. 4, 2024, because it may contain undeclared peanuts, the Syracuse, New York-based company said on Tuesday. “People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product,” the notice posted by the FDA stated. 

The recall comes after a consumer complaint that a product containing peanut butter was in packaging that did not list the ingredient due to mislabeling. “As a result of a manufacturing error, the chocolate ice cream may also contain peanut butter,” according to the company.  

Walmart lists 19 stores in as many towns and cities as selling the recalled product, including locations in East Syracuse, Utica, Waterloo and Watkins Gen. Distributed to retailers in upstate New York, the recall involves no more than 250 half-gallon units. 

Those who purchase the recalled ice cream can return it to their place of purchase for a refund or throw it out. Those with questions can call Ashley Casey at (315) 627-1319 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time or email info@byrne1933.com.

An allergy to peanuts is among the more common food allergies, prompting Southwest Airlines to end its long-standing practice of giving out free bags of peanuts on its flights in 2018.