A widely distributed frozen dessert sold in grocery stores across the United States has been voluntarily pulled from shelves following the discovery of a potential safety issue, according to federal regulators and the manufacturer. The action, announced late Monday, affects a single product line marketed as a plant-based alternative to traditional ice cream and comes as part of a broader effort by food companies to address contamination risks before consumers are harmed.
The recall was initiated by Danone U.S., a major food manufacturer with a significant presence in the dairy and plant-based food market. The company said it chose to act proactively after identifying a problem during internal quality checks, stressing that the decision was made out of caution rather than in response to reported injuries.
Federal regulators published the recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website, triggering alerts to retailers, distributors, and consumers nationwide. The affected product has been sold broadly at major grocery chains and independent retailers, making the recall one with potentially wide reach.
A Precautionary Move Amid Heightened Food Safety Scrutiny
In a brief statement accompanying the recall notice, Danone emphasized its commitment to consumer safety and said it immediately began coordinating with retail partners to remove the affected items from store freezers.
“So Delicious Dairy Free is working swiftly with retail partners to remove the potentially impacted product from shelves,” the company said, adding that it takes every consumer experience seriously.
Food safety experts note that voluntary recalls, while disruptive, are often viewed favorably by regulators when companies identify and address problems early. Such actions can limit the likelihood of injuries and reduce the scope of regulatory enforcement.
The recall comes amid heightened scrutiny of food manufacturing processes, particularly as supply chains have become more complex and ingredient sourcing increasingly global. In recent months, the FDA has issued multiple alerts involving foreign material contamination across a range of food categories.
What Consumers Initially Need to Know
At the time of the announcement, Danone did not report any confirmed injuries linked to the product. The company also stated that the issue had already been identified and corrected in its production process, suggesting the risk is limited to a specific batch rather than ongoing manufacturing.
Consumers were advised to check their freezers for the affected product and to refrain from consuming it until further notice. The company set up customer support channels to handle refund requests and answer questions, signaling an effort to address consumer concerns quickly.
Danone, which operates U.S. offices in White Plains, New York, and Louisville, Colorado, did not immediately respond to additional questions about how the issue occurred or how it was discovered, beyond what was included in the FDA notice.
A Brand With National Reach
The recalled item is sold under the So Delicious Dairy Free brand, which has built a strong following among consumers seeking non-dairy and plant-based frozen desserts. The brand’s products are marketed as alternatives to traditional ice cream, using ingredients such as coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew-based components.
Because of the brand’s popularity and wide distribution, the recall affects stores across all regions of the country rather than being limited to a specific state or supplier.
Retailers have begun pulling the affected items from shelves, and consumers may notice empty spaces or signage in freezer sections as the recall process continues.
Midway through the FDA notice, the specific reason for the recall was disclosed.
Danone said the frozen dessert was recalled after the potential presence of foreign objects was discovered in some containers. According to the company and federal regulators, certain pints may contain small stones or other hard objects.
The source of the issue was traced to cashew inclusions used in the product. Those ingredients, the company said, may have inadvertently carried foreign materials into the final dessert.
While the contamination appears to be limited, the presence of hard objects in frozen products poses a significant safety risk. Even small stones or fragments can cause dental damage, mouth injuries, or internal harm if swallowed.
Scope of the Recall
The recall applies only to one specific flavor: So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster frozen dessert in pint-size containers.
According to the FDA, affected products carry best-by dates prior to August 8, 2027. No other So Delicious flavors, sizes, or production codes are included in the recall.
Each recalled pint bears SKU number 136603 and UPC 744473476138. Consumers are advised to carefully check these identifiers before determining whether their product is impacted.
The company also noted that while the product’s packaging was updated earlier this year, in February, the UPC number remained unchanged, which could cause confusion for some shoppers.
Company Response and Next Steps
Danone said the production issue has already been addressed and corrected, and that the Salted Caramel Cluster flavor is expected to return to stores once safety verification is complete.
“So Delicious Dairy Free takes every consumer experience seriously and is initiating this voluntary recall in line with its commitment to product quality and consumer safety,” the company said.
Consumers who purchased the recalled product are urged not to eat it. Instead, they can contact the So Delicious Dairy Free Care Line at 1-833-367-8975 during weekday business hours to request a refund. Questions can also be submitted through an online contact form on the company’s website.
A Broader Pattern of Food Recalls
The Danone recall follows other recent FDA notices involving foreign material contamination. Earlier this month, the agency urged consumers to check their refrigerators after Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. recalled shredded cheese products distributed across 31 states.
That recall, involving more than 263,000 cases of shredded cheese sold under numerous private-label and store brands, was triggered by potential metal fragments originating from supplier raw materials. The FDA classified the incident as a Class II recall, meaning exposure could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects.
Products involved in that recall carried expiration dates extending into March 2026 and were sold under brand names associated with major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Aldi, and H-E-B.
Why Foreign Objects Are Taken Seriously
The FDA has long warned that foreign object contamination presents serious safety hazards. Even when injuries are not immediately reported, the agency encourages recalls because the risks can include chipped or broken teeth, cuts to the mouth or throat, and damage to the digestive tract.
Larger or sharper objects can pose even more severe dangers, particularly for children, older adults, or individuals with underlying health conditions.
Food manufacturers are required to maintain strict quality controls to prevent such contamination, but regulators acknowledge that no system is entirely immune to failures, particularly when multiple suppliers and ingredients are involved.
What Consumers Should Do Now
Consumers who have purchased So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster frozen dessert pints are advised to stop using the product immediately if it matches the recalled identifiers.
Even if the product appears normal, the FDA cautions against consuming it due to the possibility of hidden foreign objects. Shoppers should either discard the product or contact the manufacturer for a refund.
As with all recalls, consumers are encouraged to stay informed through official FDA notices and retailer communications.
Looking Ahead
Danone’s voluntary recall underscores the ongoing challenges food manufacturers face in maintaining quality control across complex supply chains. While the issue appears limited in scope, the company’s response reflects an effort to act quickly and transparently.
Regulators will continue monitoring the situation, and the FDA may update its notice if new information becomes available.
For now, officials say the recall serves as a reminder of why food safety vigilance remains essential — even for trusted brands and familiar products.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
