Imagine biting into a delicious strawberry paleta on a hot day—only to discover later that it contains milk, and no one warned you. That’s exactly what happened with several frozen snacks made by Tropicale Foods, a company based in Canada. On July 25, they issued a recall for 14 ice cream products sold across the U.S. due to undeclared milk. That means the products had milk in them—but the packaging didn’t clearly say so.
While the ingredient list mentioned “cream,” the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) requires products to clearly state “milk” as a common allergen. One customer has already fallen ill, which triggered a full-scale label audit and this recall.
Why this recall matters
Milk allergies are serious business. For people with severe milk allergies or sensitivities, even a small amount can lead to life-threatening allergic reactions—including swelling, hives, breathing problems, and more.
Tropicale Foods said in their statement:
“Though these products include ‘cream’ in the ingredient lists, the common name ‘milk’ is not declared.”
That’s a big deal, because food safety laws exist to protect people who rely on clear labeling to avoid health risks.
Which ice cream products are affected?
Here’s the full scoop (pun intended) of the products under recall, along with the expiration dates to check on your boxes:
La Michoacana products
- Coconut (single): Oct. 3, 2026 – May 3, 2027
- Strawberry (single): Oct. 1, 2026 – May 16, 2027
- Bubble Gum (single): April 7 – April 19, 2027
- Cookies and Cream (single): April 9 – April 11, 2027
- Mango (single): Feb. 3 – April 8, 2027
- Coconut (6-pack): Nov. 25, 2026 – April 12, 2027
- Strawberry (6-pack): June 3, 2026 – June 17, 2027
- Variety Pack (16-pack): March 14 and March 16, 2027
- Mini Variety Pack (12-pack): Sept. 9, 2026 – April 12, 2027
- Rompope (6-pack): April 24 – July 14, 2027
Helados Mexico products
- Mini Variety Cream (12-pack): May 29, 2026 – June 24, 2027
- Mini Chocolate Dip Variety Cream (12-pack): Dec. 17, 2026 – June 15, 2027
- DLR Mini Variety Cream (12-pack): Dec. 31, 2026 – May 2, 2027
- DLR Mini Chocolate Chip Dip Variety Cream (12-pack): Jan. 14 – June 18, 2027
Note: The recall is for products sold nationwide, but Tropicale hasn’t yet confirmed which specific retailers carry them. So check your freezer, no matter where you are in the U.S.
What should you do if you have these?
If you or someone in your household is allergic to milk, do not eat these products. Just toss them out—even if they look fine. Better safe than sorry. The company isn’t offering a return process yet, but if you have any questions or concerns, you can call (909) 563-3090, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.
Read this later:
This isn’t the only food recall right now
Believe it or not, this summer has seen several big food recalls, including:
- YoCrunch Yogurt – Recalled for possible plastic pieces in the topping
- Ritz Cracker Sandwiches – Pulled off shelves for undeclared peanuts
- Frozen Beans – Linked to a salmonella outbreak
- Chicken Sausages – Over 24,000 pounds recalled due to contamination
- Kroger & Walmart Breads – Voluntarily recalled by an artisanal bakery
So yes, your freezer might be a crime scene right now—check everything twice!
What sparked the recall?
The issue came to light during a routine audit of product labels. That’s when Tropicale Foods realized that “milk” wasn’t clearly listed, even though it was in the product as cream. One person had already gotten sick, which raised alarm bells and sped up the process.
The FDA stepped in on July 26, one day after Tropicale’s official announcement, to help spread the word.
About the brands: La Michoacana & Helados Mexico
Both La Michoacana and Helados Mexico are known for their creamy, authentic-style Mexican frozen treats. You’ve probably seen them at major grocery stores or even gas station freezers. They offer flavors like mango, coconut, bubble gum, and rompope (a Mexican eggnog flavor), often made with real ingredients and sold in vibrant packaging.
But even fan favorites aren’t exempt from safety rules.
Stay updated and stay safe
Want to keep track of food recalls like this in real time? Consider downloading the USA TODAY app or visiting their website. If you’re a foodie or just a cautious grocery shopper, keeping tabs on these alerts is a smart move.
And hey—while you’re catching up on trending news, check out Polifinus.com. That’s your go-to spot for everything from food recalls to wild travel stories and money-saving tips. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Final scoop
If you love ice cream (and who doesn’t?), this recall might sting a little—but your health comes first. Whether it’s a La Michoacana coconut bar or a Helados Mexico chocolate chip treat, double-check those expiration dates and get rid of anything that falls into the recalled list if you’re allergic or sensitive to milk.
Keep your freezer safe, your stomach happy, and your allergy meds untouched. And of course, stay cool out there!
