The FDA moved Lidl's Gelatelli Coffee and Vanilla Gelato recall to Class I on Nov. 3, 18 days after the store chain first pulled it. The recall covers one lot, 1,122 pints, sold in nine states and Washington, D.C.
A gelato recall from Lidl now carries the FDA's most serious risk label.
The agency classified the recall of Gelatelli Coffee and Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce and Cookie Pieces as Class I on Nov. 3, Newsweek reported, citing the FDA's enforcement record. FOX 35 Orlando and other FOX stations picked up the upgrade Saturday.
Lidl US first announced the recall on Oct. 16 after routine quality testing found Listeria monocytogenes in a lab sample, the company said. No illnesses had been reported as of that notice.
The recall is small. It covers one lot, 1,122 units, according to the FDA record Newsweek cited.
Class I is the FDA's top tier. The agency uses it when there's "a reasonable probability" a product will cause serious health problems or death.
Here's a news report on the recall:
Which Lidl gelato is recalled?
Only one flavor and one lot. Lidl listed these codes in its recall notice:
Product: Gelatelli Coffee and Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce and Cookie Pieces, 16 fl. oz. (1 pint)
UPC: 4 0564897 22458
Lot: 085261
Best by: March 26, 2028
Package: Clear plastic container with a brown lid
The lot number and best-by date are printed on the bottom of the container. If your pint has a different lot or date, it isn't part of this recall.
What states got the recalled gelato?
Lidl shipped it between July 19 and Oct. 15 to all of its U.S. stores in Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Florida isn't on the list. If you shopped at a Lidl out of state this summer and brought a pint home, though, it's worth a look at the bottom of the tub.
What should you do with the recalled gelato?
Don't eat it. Lidl says to throw it away or return it to any Lidl store for a full refund, and no receipt is needed.
Questions go to the Lidl US Customer Care Hotline at 844-747-5435, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Keeping it in the freezer doesn't make it safe. The FDA notes that freezing stops Listeria from multiplying but doesn't kill it, The Healthy reported. The bacteria can also survive and grow in the refrigerator, according to the FDA.
What are the symptoms of Listeria?
Healthy people may get only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Lidl's notice says.
The infection can be serious and sometimes fatal for young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.
More severe cases can bring a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, The Healthy reported. Anyone who ate the recalled gelato and feels sick should contact a doctor.
Has Lidl had other recalls this year?
Yes. Lidl US had another Class I recall this summer. In August, the FDA classified the chain's recall of Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix as Class I over Salmonella, FDA enforcement data shows. That one covered 2,040 containers.
The chain also pulled Eridanous shortbread cookies in July and August over undeclared allergens, according to its recall page. Those were Class II, a lower tier.
The FDA still lists the gelato recall as ongoing, with no end date, Newsweek reported. Lidl called it a voluntary recall.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
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Hat Tips:
FOX 35 Orlando (Nov. 7, 2026), the tip, the Class I upgrade and the FDA's Class I definition and refrigeration note
Newsweek (Nov. 4, 2026), the FDA enforcement record details, including the Nov. 3 classification, 1,122 units and ongoing status
The Healthy by Reader's Digest (Nov. 5, 2026), the FDA's freezing note and severe symptoms
Lidl US (Oct. 16, 2026), the recall notice, product codes, states, shipping dates, refund and hotline, plus its recall page
FDA (openFDA enforcement data) (Aug. 2026), the Vitasia spice mix Class I and Eridanous cookie Class II recalls
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