Lidl Gelatelli Gelato Recall: Listeria Contamination and What You Need to Know

What product is recalled

The affected item is Gelatelli Naturally Flavored Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces (16 fl oz / 1 pint). The UPC is 4 0564897 22458, with Lot number 085261 and a best-by date of March 26, 2028. The product is a clear plastic container with a brown lid. It is labeled as a “Product of Italy.” The recall covers packaging distributed between July 19 and October 15, 2026 to Lidl US retail stores.

The geographic distribution includes Lidl stores located in the District of Columbia and nine states: Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. Lidl notes that its U.S. stores along the East Coast—more than 190 locations—are part of Lidl’s expansion into the United States. This distribution context helps explain why certain states were affected.

Recall timeline and safety actions

Lidl US began the recall after routine testing identified Listeria in a lab sample. The recall was officially announced on October 16, and the FDA upgraded the recall to Class I on November 3, reflecting the seriousness of potential health consequences.

Health risks of Listeria contamination

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause illness in people who consume contaminated foods. Illness can present as fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe forms of listeriosis may involve headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Listeria infections can be serious and sometimes fatal for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women may experience miscarriage, stillbirth, or infection of the newborn if exposed.

Incubation periods and what they mean for you

Illness can occur within a few hours or as long as two to three days after eating contaminated food. More severe forms of listeriosis may take anywhere from three days to three months to develop. This incubation window matters for readers evaluating whether symptoms they experience are related to the recalled gelato and for deciding whether to seek medical care. If symptoms appear after consumption, consider contacting a healthcare provider, especially if you belong to higher-risk groups.

What to do if you have the recalled gelato

If you have any recalled product, discard it immediately or return it to the nearest Lidl store for a full refund. No receipt is required for the refund. For questions about the recall, you can contact Lidl US Customer Care at 844-747-5435. The hotline operates Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

To prevent cross-contamination, clean and sanitize surfaces and containers that may have touched these products. After handling recalled gelato or any packaging, wash hands thoroughly. Specifically, wash container contact areas with hot, soapy water and then sanitize, and always wash hands after handling the product.

Additionally, be aware that the recall notice states the product’s lot number and best-by date are on the bottom of the container, which helps confirm whether a particular gelato is affected.

Country of origin and brand context

The product is labeled as Product of Italy. Lidl’s broader U.S. operation is described as expanding internationally to 31 countries, including more than 190 Lidl stores along the East Coast. This context explains the geographic scope of the recall and why certain regions are affected.

How Lidl Is Responding

Lidl states that the health and safety of customers is Lidl’s top priority and that they regret any inconvenience caused by the voluntary recall. Lidl’s Quality Assurance Department is actively working to ensure all products on shelves meet high-quality standards. The company is cooperating with retailers to remove affected products and to offer refunds to customers.

Other recent ice cream recalls (context)

Readers should be aware that other ice cream recalls have been active recently. Stewart’s Shops Corp. recalled Heavenly Medley and Vanilla-Chocolate-Strawberry half-gallon ice creams due to the potential presence of metal. These products were sold at Stewart’s Shops locations in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire between July 17 and October 2, 2026. No injuries were reported at the time of the recall, and consumers were advised not to consume the recalled products and to return them for a refund. For questions, contact Stewart’s Shops at the provided consumer and media line. FDA involvement and public notices accompany these recalls. Separately, Straus Family Creamery issued a recall of select flavors and sizes sold in 17 states beginning May 4, 2026, for potential metal fragments. Consumers were offered vouchers for replacement products after submitting a reimbursement form. Neither recall involved confirmed injuries at that time, and the company paused production to address the root cause.

These notices illustrate the broader landscape of ice cream recalls and highlight why readers should check official recall notices beyond Lidl for other brands they may purchase. Links to official FDA notices provide authoritative details about each recall’s scope, products, dates, and how to proceed.

Notes on sources and official notices

Key facts in this article reflect U.S. government recall notices and company statements related to Lidl’s Gelatelli Gelato recall, including the UPC, lot, best-by date, Product of Italy designation, and distribution scope. Readers are encouraged to consult the FDA and CPSC recall notices for the most authoritative, issued details and any updates. Official contact information and procedural steps are provided by Lidl US Customer Care and the recall notices themselves.