New Zealand food safety authorities have announced a recall of Tip Top Ice Cream Jelly Tip 6 Pack over the possible presence of Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness. The recall was issued by Tip Top Ice Cream Company Limited on 2 October 2026, following concerns about the safety of a specific batch of the popular ice cream product.
According to New Zealand Food Safety, the affected product was sold at Woolworths supermarkets across the North Island. Consumers are advised to check the batch details carefully and avoid consuming the recalled ice cream.
The recall is limited to a specific batch of Tip Top Jelly Tip ice cream. The affected product is packaged in a cardboard box containing six individually wrapped ice cream bars.
The recalled product details are:
The best-before date, timestamp and batch code are printed on the bottom of the packaging. Consumers should verify all the details to determine whether their product is affected.
The company and authorities have clarified that the recall does not extend to other Tip Top products.
The recall was initiated because of the possible presence of Bacillus cereus, a bacterium associated with foodborne illness. Certain strains can produce toxins that cause vomiting or diarrhoea, depending on the type of toxin involved.
Although B. cereus is commonly associated with rice and other starchy foods, it can also be relevant to the safety of other food products. Some strains produce heat-resistant spores, while certain toxins can remain active even after heating. The risk depends on the strain, the food environment and the conditions under which the product was manufactured, handled and stored.
The recall notice does not specify the level of contamination or explain how the bacterium may have entered the affected batch. Therefore, consumers should follow the recall instructions rather than assume that the product is safe based on its appearance, smell or storage condition.
Foodborne illness caused by Bacillus cereus can develop in different ways depending on the toxin involved.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea. Symptoms can begin within hours of consuming contaminated food, although the onset and severity vary according to the type of illness and the amount of toxin or bacteria ingested. Most cases are relatively short-lived, but severe or persistent symptoms may require medical attention.
New Zealand Food Safety has reported no illnesses linked to this recall as of the published notice. However, the absence of reported cases does not eliminate the potential risk associated with the affected product.
Anyone who has consumed the recalled ice cream and is concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
Consumers who have purchased Tip Top Jelly Tip Ice Cream 6 Pack should:
Consumers should also ensure that the recalled product is not inadvertently served to other household members.
Tip Top Ice Cream Company Limited issued the recall on 2 October 2026, with New Zealand Food Safety publishing the consumer advisory. Retailers selling the affected product have been instructed to display the official point-of-sale notice for one month.
The recall highlights the importance of effective microbiological controls, batch traceability and prompt communication between manufacturers, retailers and food safety authorities. Accurate lot identification allows consumers to distinguish affected products from other items sold under the same brand.
This recall serves as a reminder that food safety risks may not be detectable through a product’s appearance or smell. Consumers should pay attention to official recall notices, check batch-specific information and follow the recommended actions even when no illnesses have been reported.
For further information, consumers can consult the official New Zealand Food Safety recall notice or contact Tip Top Ice Cream Company Limited on 0800 838 181.