FDA issued an urgent recall on Aug. 20 for Gifford’s HomeMaine ice cream. The affected flavor is Power Play Fudge, the official ice cream of the Boston Bruins.
The recall covers 3,585 one-quart containers. Distribution spans Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.
The voluntary recall was initiated by Gifford’s Dairy on Aug. 14. The issue: potential rubber contamination.
The FDA has classified this as a Class II risk. That means temporary health issues are possible, but serious harm is unlikely.
What Happened
Gifford’s Dairy detected the problem during internal quality checks. They flagged a possible manufacturing equipment failure — a broken gasket or seal. The FDA is now inspecting the facility to pinpoint the source.
Affected Product Details
The recalled item is Gifford’s HomeMaine brand, Power Play Fudge flavor. It comes in one-quart containers. Lot codes beginning with “GP” are affected. “Best By” dates range from Aug. 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027.
| Product | Brand | Size | Lot Code Prefix | Best By Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Play Fudge | Gifford’s HomeMaine | 1 quart | GP | Aug 2026 – Mar 2027 |
Health Risks
Consuming rubber fragments poses a choking hazard. This is especially true for children. Small pieces can also cause gastrointestinal irritation or minor internal injuries. Most cases produce no severe symptoms. The FDA advises discarding the product entirely. Seek medical attention if adverse reactions occur.
States Affected
Three states are impacted: Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont. These states cover the Bruins’ core fan base and Gifford’s primary distribution network. Retailers have been notified. Product removal from shelves is underway.
What Consumers Should Do
Check your freezer immediately. If you have the recalled Power Play Fudge, do not consume it. Discard the container or return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.
Gifford’s has set up a customer service hotline and an online form for questions. The FDA encourages reporting any adverse reactions to local health departments. Most retailers accept returns for recalled items without a receipt.
Context and Response
This recall is specific to Gifford’s HomeMaine Power Play Fudge. No other ice cream brands are affected. Gifford’s Dairy has apologized and pledged to enhance quality control processes.
If you already ate the ice cream, monitor for symptoms like nausea or abdominal pain. Contact a doctor if symptoms develop.
The FDA’s warning is direct: check your freezer now. The product in question is the official ice cream of the Boston Bruins, a popular choice for hockey fans. The recall serves as a reminder that even trusted brands can face contamination issues.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What specific ice cream product is being recalled?
- A: Gifford’s HomeMaine brand, Power Play Fudge flavor, in one-quart containers with lot codes beginning with ‘GP’ and ‘Best By’ dates from Aug. 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027.
- Q: Which states are affected by this ice cream recall?
- A: Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.
- Q: What are the potential health risks of consuming the recalled ice cream?
- A: Rubber fragments pose a choking hazard, especially for children, and may cause gastrointestinal irritation or minor internal injuries. Most cases are not severe, but seek medical attention if any adverse reactions occur.
- Q: What should consumers do if they have the recalled ice cream?
- A: Discard the product entirely and do not consume it. If you experience any adverse reactions, seek medical attention promptly.
Extended Reading
The Healthy published initial coverage on Aug. 20, 2026, confirming the recall timeline. ECIKS reported the 3,585-container figure on Aug. 21, 2026. A full list of affected lot codes is available on the FDA’s website.