Gifford’s Dairy has recalled 3,585 one-quart containers of its HomeMaine ice cream brand’s Power Play Fudge flavor due to potential rubber piece contamination, affecting customers in Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.
The Maine-based ice cream maker initiated the recall on August 14, according to an FDA notice published on August 20. The contamination may have originated from production equipment that broke down during processing, though the company has not confirmed the specific source.
Consumers can identify the recalled product by the lot code 26184 and a best-by date of 08/27/27. The product’s UPC is 8 60864 00030 7. Gifford’s said the ice cream was distributed through major retailers including Hannaford, Shaws, and other grocery stores across the three affected states.
On August 19, the FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning use of or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, and the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. This classification indicates a lower-risk situation compared to Class I recalls, which carry a higher hazard level.
Gifford’s, based in Skowhegan, Maine, describes itself as a fifth-generation family-owned company that sources fresh milk and cream locally and distributes over two million gallons of ice cream annually to grocery stores, independent shops, colleges, universities, and restaurants across New England.
The recall follows a similar incident in May 2026, when Straus Family Creamery recalled organic ice cream across 17 states due to possible metal contamination. In that case, the company offered customers vouchers for replacement products rather than refunds. Food recalls have increased in frequency in 2026, with 162 recorded so far this year, according to recent tracking data.
Sources
- The Healthy — details on the Gifford’s recall, contamination type, lot code, best-by date, affected states, retailers, and FDA classification
- FDA — official recall notice and Class II classification definition
- NBC News — information on the comparable Straus Family Creamery recall and company response
- KCRA — context on 2026 food recall trends and volume
