The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) has indicated that there have yet to be any local reports connected to the ongoing recall of Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream due to chemical contamination. 

So far, authorities in Antigua, Trinidad and Guyana are the only Caribbean nations to have announced national recalls of the popular Häagen-Dazs ice cream brand. 

In Jamaica, the CAC is the Government agency responsible for responding to consumer and/or distributor product complaints. 

Speaking to Our Today on Tuesday (July 12), Latoya Halstead, communications director at the CAC, explained that an update would be provided for the general public by Thursday, barring any unforeseen changes.

Citizens in neighbouring countries have been warned against consumption of the product, following a statement by Australia-based manufacturer General Mills. 

According to General Mills, the products affected by the voluntary recall are Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream 457ml and Häagen-Dazs Classic Collection Mini Cups 4x95ml with best before dates between July 4, 2022 and July 21, 2023. 

“Only the vanilla flavour with the dates set above is impacted. This does not affect any other Haagen-Dazs flavour,” the company advised recently. 

The Government Analyst – Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) of the Guyanese Health Ministry first announced a national recall of specific Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream products due to their exposure to ethylene oxide on July 8. 

“The recall is based on the detection of ethylene oxide in the implicated products. Ethylene oxide is a chemical that, in gas form, has been found to cause irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory passages,” the department said in a statement.

“Although there is no immediate risk to consumption of food contaminated with low levels of ethylene oxide, long-term exposure can lead to health issues. Consequently, the GA-FDD advises consumers not to [eat] this product,” the statement continued.

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health in Trinidad and Tobago indicated that the twin-island republic would follow suit with a similar Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream recall, which the government entity said was applicable to all sizes. 

“Out of an abundance of caution, the Ministry of Health is advising consumers to avoid purchasing and consuming Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream (All Sizes) at this time,” the ministry disclosed.

The Trinidadian health ministry added that, while it is working closely with the local distributor to have all the affected products immediately removed from sale and distribution points, members of the public can contact its Chemistry, Food and Drugs division for further information. 

Antigua and Barbuda, through the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division, also stepped up its vigilance just yesterday with a Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream recall. 

Antiguans were also advised to seek full refunds at the respective points of purchase.