Lidl US has recalled a lot of Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato after routine quality testing detected Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious and potentially life-threatening infections. The recall was reported on 18 October 2026 and affects products distributed to Lidl stores across 10 US states and the District of Columbia between 19 July and 15 October 2026.
No illnesses had been reported at the time of the announcement. However, consumers are urged to check their freezers, as the product’s long shelf life means affected containers may still be stored at home.
The recall applies to one specific lot of Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces.
Affected product details:
The lot number and best-before date are printed on the bottom of the container. Consumers should verify these details before deciding whether their product is affected.
The recalled gelato was distributed to Lidl retail stores in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia.
The recall was initiated after routine quality testing identified Listeria monocytogenes in a laboratory sample of the affected product.
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen capable of surviving and growing under certain refrigeration conditions. Contamination may occur during food processing, handling or through contaminated ingredients or equipment.
Unlike many forms of food spoilage, Listeria contamination may not cause noticeable changes in a product’s appearance, smell or taste. Consequently, consumers cannot reliably determine whether the recalled gelato is safe by inspecting or tasting it.
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, muscle aches, headache and, in some cases, gastrointestinal illness. Severe infections can affect the nervous system and lead to complications requiring hospitalisation.
Symptoms may develop days or weeks after exposure. The recall announcement advises consumers to monitor themselves for symptoms for up to 70 days after possible exposure.
Certain groups face a greater risk of severe illness, including pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Infection during pregnancy can have serious consequences for the fetus or newborn, including premature delivery, neonatal infection or stillbirth.
Anyone who has consumed the recalled gelato and develops symptoms consistent with listeriosis should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about the possible exposure.
Lidl advises consumers to take immediate action if they have purchased the affected product.
Consumers should not taste the gelato to determine whether it is contaminated.
The recall highlights the importance of routine microbiological testing and effective controls throughout food production and distribution. Testing identified the contamination before any illnesses had been reported, allowing the company to initiate a recall and notify consumers.
However, the product’s extended shelf life presents an additional challenge: recalled containers may remain in household freezers long after their initial purchase. Checking stored frozen foods against official recall notices is therefore essential, particularly when a product has a best-before date extending well into the future.
The Gelatelli gelato recall is a reminder that frozen foods are not automatically protected from foodborne pathogens. Listeria monocytogenes can persist under refrigeration and may cause severe illness in vulnerable individuals.
Consumers should check the affected lot details, avoid consuming recalled products and follow the retailer’s refund or disposal instructions. Prompt recall communication, accurate traceability and effective microbiological controls remain essential to reducing the risks associated with contaminated food.
Source: US FDA