Häagen-Dazs ice creams recalled over pesticide contamination

Ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs is taking batches of vanilla-flavored ice cream products off shelves in several countries around the world after a chemical carcinogen was detected in the product.

Several international media around the planet report that ethylene oxide, a chemical carcinogen, was detected in batches of vanilla-flavored ice cream products.

The producer has voluntarily initiated a global exercise to recall the related batches of products which have been distributed to over 80 countries and regions over pesticide contamination concerns. 

The recall affects products with the best before dates from July 4, 2022 up to and including July 17, 2023. 

The use of ethylene oxide in food has been banned globally, as it is a chemical originally used as a pesticide or sterilizing agent. It has been widely used in washing, pharmaceutical, printing and dyeing industries.

Exposure to ethylene oxide can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and breathing difficulty. Long-term exposure can also cause cancer in humans. 

Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.