Check Your Freezer: Ice Cream Recalled in 3 States for Rubber
Gifford’s Ice Cream Recall: What You Need to Know About the Power Play Fudge Recall
Hey there! If you’ve got a sweet tooth for New England ice cream, you’ll want to read this. The FDA just announced a recall for a popular hockey-themed flavor. Don’t worry—we’ll break it all down in plain English so you know exactly what to do.
What Happened?
Gifford’s Dairy, a fifth-generation family ice cream company from Skowhegan, Maine, has recalled 3,585 one-quart containers of their HomeMaine brand Power Play Fudge ice cream.
The recall started on August 14, and the FDA published the official notice shortly after.
Why Was It Recalled?
Important Safety Alert
The problem: Rubber pieces might be in the ice cream.
- What this means: Small bits of rubber—likely from production equipment that broke during manufacturing—could have ended up in the product.
- Health risk: The FDA classifies this as a Class II recall, which means eating it could cause temporary or reversible health issues, but serious harm is very unlikely.
- Bottom line: You don’t want to eat rubber. If you have this ice cream, don’t eat it.
Is Your Ice Cream Affected? Here’s How to Check
Grab your container and look for all three of these identifiers:
| Detail | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Lot Code | 26184 |
| Best By Date | 08/27/27 |
| UPC (Barcode) | 8 60864 00030 7 |
Where It Was Sold
The recalled ice cream went to stores in:
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Vermont
Known retailers: Hannaford, Shaws, and possibly other local shops.
Fun fact: Power Play Fudge is a tribute to the Boston Bruins—it has fudge-filled chocolate "pucks" inside!
What Should You Do? (Step-by-Step)
If you find a matching container in your freezer:
- Stop eating it immediately — Even if it looks fine, rubber pieces could be inside.
- Do not return it to the store — Most recalls ask you to dispose of the product at home.
- Throw it away — Place it in your regular trash (or compost the ice cream, recycle the container if clean).
- Contact Gifford’s for a refund — Reach out to their customer service (check their website for current contact info).
- Check your freezer again — Make sure you don’t have multiple containers.
About Gifford’s Dairy
- Family-owned since 1887 (that’s five generations!)
- Based in Skowhegan, Maine
- Sources milk and fruit locally
- Runs three family-operated ice cream stands
- Sells over 2 million gallons a year to grocery stores, shops, colleges, and restaurants across New England
Quick Summary
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | HomeMaine Power Play Fudge (1-quart containers) |
| Quantity Recalled | 3,585 containers |
| Reason | Possible rubber pieces from equipment |
| Risk Level | FDA Class II (low serious risk, but don’t eat it) |
| Lot Code | 26184 |
| Best By | 08/27/27 |
| UPC | 8 60864 00030 7 |
| States Affected | MA, ME, VT |
| Recall Date | August 14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I already ate some. Should I panic?
No. This is a Class II recall, meaning serious harm is very unlikely. The rubber pieces would probably just pass through your system. But if you notice anything unusual (stomach pain, choking sensation), call your doctor.
2. Can I just pick the rubber pieces out and eat the rest?
Please don’t. You can’t be sure you got them all, and tiny fragments could remain. It’s not worth the risk.
3. How do I get my money back?
Contact Gifford’s Dairy directly through their website (giffordsicecream.com) or the store where you bought it. Most companies offer full refunds for recalled products.
4. Are other Gifford’s flavors affected?
No. This recall is only for Power Play Fudge with the specific lot code, best-by date, and UPC listed above. All other flavors are fine.
5. Why do food recalls happen?
Recalls happen when there’s a potential safety issue—even if no one has gotten sick yet. Companies and the FDA act fast to protect people. It’s actually a sign the safety system is working!
Final Thought
Summer isn’t over yet (fall starts September 22!), so you’ve still got time to enjoy ice cream—just maybe double-check the label first. Stay safe, stay sweet, and when in doubt, throw it out!
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