If you suspect that ice cream may have caused your food poisoning symptoms, you likely have many questions. How long can ice cream sit out safely? How long can ice cream last in the freezer? How do you know if it is spoiled? This page explains how you can get food poisoning from ice cream and what you can do to keep your family safe.
Why Is Ice Cream a Risk for Food Poisoning?
There are a few ways that ice cream can cause food poisoning. First, ice cream is typically made with dairy products that must be stored at safe temperatures to prevent bacterial growth. Ingredients like milk and eggs are particularly prone to contamination and spoiling. Homemade ice cream with unpasteurized dairy is even riskier.
As we all know, ice cream melts quickly at room temperature, raising the risk of contamination. Refreezing does not effectively kill bacteria that cause foodborne illness. It merely slows the bacteria’s growth without making the ice cream safe to eat. Additionally, ice cream can be contaminated during manufacturing if the ingredients are mishandled or the equipment is not properly cleaned.
Bacteria That Can Grow on Ice Cream
Like any other food, ice cream is unsafe to eat when contaminated by disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Common bacteria found in ice cream that can cause food poisoning symptoms include:
- Listeria – This bacteria is especially hazardous because it can grow at colder temperatures and persist in processing plants for years. It can also cause listeriosis, which is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
- Salmonella – Every year, salmonella infections lead to thousands of hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths in the U.S. It attacks the intestinal tract, causing severe symptoms within hours after exposure.
- E. coli – Some strains of Escherichia coli, more commonly known as E. coli, produce dangerous Shiga toxins that cause food poisoning. Infection often occurs through contaminated water, raw or undercooked foods, and unpasteurized or contaminated milk.
- Staphylococcus – Found in 22 of 100 ice cream samples in one study in 2019, staphylococcus causes skin infections and produces a toxin that leads to food poisoning.
- Shigella – Commonly found in dairy ice creams, shigella infections can range from mild to severe, causing long-term health issues.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning From Ice Cream
While there are many bacteria and other pathogens that can cause foodborne illness, the general symptoms of food poisoning are often similar. Consuming spoiled or contaminated ice cream may cause:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Headaches
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches
Infants, older adults, and high-risk individuals with certain medical conditions may experience more severe symptoms. In some cases, food poisoning from ice cream may even require hospitalization.
Signs That Ice Cream Has Gone Bad
To keep you and your family safe, it is important to stay vigilant when it comes to the food you eat. Below are some signs that can help you determine if your ice cream is safe to eat:
Appearance and Texture
When bacteria start to break down dairy, it may change in color and texture. These changes can also occur when ice cream is refrozen after melting or left in the freezer for too long (i.e., freezer burn).
Visually check the ice cream for discoloration or ice crystals. You want it to be smooth and creamy, as opposed to crunchy, grainy, or slimy. Dull gray or brown coloring could also be a sign that the ice cream has gone bad.
Smell
When you open an ice cream container, check for unpleasant odors. How your ice cream smells can tell you a lot about its quality. A sour or rancid odor smell may mean the ice cream is old or contaminated. Freezer burn can also create a musty or plastic-like odor, indicating the ice cream is past its prime.
Taste
An odd texture or off-putting odor is usually enough to stop people from eating ice cream. However, if these signs are not present, an “off” taste may be the last resort. A sour, acidic, or curdled taste is a definite red flag. Throw out the ice cream to avoid the risk of food poisoning.
Ice Cream Food Poisoning Outbreaks
Despite strict rules and regulations to prevent foodborne illness, there have been multiple cases of food poisoning from ice cream in the U.S. Listeria is the most common culprit:
June 2024 Recall
Totally Cool, an ice cream manufacturer in Maryland, recalled more than 60 ice cream products due to possible listeria contamination detected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
August 2023 Outbreak
The FDA investigated a listeria outbreak linked to several dairy and non-dairy ice cream products from a manufacturer in Brooklyn, New York. There were two confirmed infections, but more unreported cases are likely.
July 2022 Outbreak
A listeria outbreak was traced to Big Olaf Creamery in Sarasota, Florida. The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 28 infections across 11 states.
March 2015 Outbreak
Blue Bell Creameries pleaded guilty to criminal misdemeanor charges of distributing contaminated ice cream products and failing to notify retailers and customers, which led to a listeria outbreak. Blue Bell agreed to pay $19.35 million in criminal fines and to settle civil cases.
Tips for Storing and Consuming Ice Cream Safely
While you can’t control an ice cream company’s manufacturing and packaging processes, there are many things you can do at home to prevent contamination. Reduce the risk of food poisoning by following these tips:
- Store ice cream in the freezer as soon as possible.
- Avoid using unpasteurized dairy products or eggs in homemade ice cream.
- Do not consume ice cream if the safety seal is broken or the packaging is damaged.
- Keep freezer temperature between -5°F and 0°F.
- Use clean utensils for serving and eating.
- Do not refreeze melted ice cream.
- Store ice cream in a clean, airtight container.
How Long Can Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
According to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), “freezing keeps food safe almost indefinitely.” However, that does not mean that it will retain its quality. With this in mind, ice cream can be kept in the freezer for about two to three months. To learn more about safe temperature ranges and how long you can keep certain foods, explore our Food Safety Chart.
Learn About Your Consumer Rights with Keep Food Safe
Keep Food Safe is dedicated to improving the safety of our food supply chains and empowering consumers injured by unsafe food practices. If you or a loved one got food poisoning from ice cream, the manufacturer or distributor may be liable for compensating you. Contact us today to connect with an experienced food safety lawyer who can explain your legal rights and options.
