A California-based company is recalling thousands of ice cream bars over a potential salmonella contamination scare, sparking a multi-state alarm. According to CBS News Detroit, Tropicale Foods of Modesto is pulling 5,224 units of its Helados Mexico Mini Ice Cream Variety Pack from shelves. The potentially affected products were distributed across a swath of the U.S. and some parts of Europe, covering no less than 16 states including Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan, among others.

The recall was sparked after tests revealed the mango bars could carry the harmful bacteria, salmonella. In a statement obtained by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the company advised against the consumption of the product with a best-by date of Oct. 11, 2025, found on the bottom of the retail box. Individuals who bought these ice cream bars are instructed to dispose of them immediately.

While no illnesses have been reported up to this point, salmonella poses a serious risk, particularly to young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Reported symptoms linked with salmonella infections include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The pathogen can sometimes trigger more ruthless complications by entering the bloodstream, leading to arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis, according to health officials.

The company halted production of the questionable mango bars and has seized further distribution as they investigate the cause of the contamination. Though Tropicale Foods is actively engaged in overhauling its safety processes to prevent a repeat of the problem, as they told the FDA, the concern is hot amongst consumers already wary of foodborne illnesses. Affected individuals with further inquiries can reach out to Tropicale Foods' helpline during the weekdays, which wound down operations at 5 p.m. (PT) on a 909-563-3090 number.