According to a note released by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), the company General Mills Brasil Alimentos Ltda., responsible for the Häagen-Dazs brand, has agreed that it will collect branded ice creams and popsicles that expire between 16/5/2023 and 29 /6/2023. The reason, according to the regulator, would be the presence of the substance 2-chloroethanol (2-CE) in the ingredient that adds the flavor and aroma of vanilla.
Although there is no evidence that the substance is carcinogenic (which can cause cancer) or mutagenic (which can cause changes capable of causing damage to human cells), 2-chloroethanol can be toxic and cause changes in genetic material. The measure is the result of the investigation and testing process implemented by the company after identifying, in July 2022, the same problem in batches of other branded ice creams.
According to information from General Mills, the contamination originated from the reuse of the solvent used in the manufacture of the aroma, with no relation to the use of ethylene oxide (ETO) in the productive chain of the aroma.
Check below the ice creams that will be collected:
- Häagen-Dazs Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream Pot – Chocolate Chip Chocolate Ice Cream (473 mL);
- Häagen-Dazs Macadamia Nut Brittle Ice Cream Cup – Crunchy Macadamia Vanilla Ice Cream (100 mL);
- Pot of Häagen-Dazs Macadamia Nut Brittle Ice Cream - Vanilla Macadamia Crunchy Ice Cream (473 mL);
- Popsicle Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Caramel Almond – vanilla ice cream with salted caramel sauce and milk chocolate almond coating 70 g (80 mL);
- Popsicle Häagen-Dazs Cookies & Cream – vanilla ice cream cookie pieces 70 g (80 mL).
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I have the Häagen-Dazs ice cream to be collected, what should I do?
If you have purchased any of the ice creams mentioned, do not consume it. In accordance with Anvisa's guidance, keep the packaging and contact General Mills by phone 0800-031-0707 or email address sac.haagendazs@genmills., for clarification, exchange or refund.
About 2-chloroethanol (2-CE)
2-Chloroethanol (2-CE) is a chemical that has recently been identified in various food products, having been largely associated with the use of ethylene oxide (ETO) in the production of the raw material.
There are no tolerable residual limits under current legislation in Brazil for 2-chloroethanol in food.
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