Weight Watchers Recall: 100,000 Cases Of Smart Ones Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundae Frozen Desserts Recalled
Weight Watchers is often touted as one of the most effective and long-lasting eating plans that helps people keep weight off. However, on Monday, November 14, Weight Watchers made news for all the wrong reasons. Weight Watchers announced a voluntary recall of the Weight Watchers product known as their Smart Ones Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundae frozen desserts.
The recall occurred due to contamination of the Aspen Hills, Inc. Cookie Dough Pieces. According to the FDA, Weight Watchers pointed to the supplier, Aspen Hills, that supplied an ingredient that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. It is a substance — a bacteria — that could cause infections so serious in certain people that it might cause death — so it’s no wonder Weight Watchers made the decision to recall what could be a dangerous product.
An image of the recalled Weight Watchers Smart Ones frozen desserts four-pack can be seen above, with the package boasting only 140 calories in each of the individual desserts. The desserts are low-fat ice cream flavored as cookie dough on top of a cookie crust, replete with fudge sauce and crumbles of cookies — with only three grams of fat in each. With no fiber but two grams of protein, the desserts might be popular with Weight Watchers fans.
Despite the news, Weight Watchers made sure to inform the public that there hasn’t been any sicknesses reported to Weight Watchers at the time of the recall. Specific information about the desserts being recalled, such as the “best if used by” dates, can be found on the FDA website, along with instructions about not eating the Weight Watchers cookie dough desserts that fall under those conditions.
Along with apologies for the recall, Weight Watchers informed the public in their announcement that only the specifically listed product with the data they provided was being recalled — a dessert that was only distributed in the U.S.
“We immediately began an investigation and are voluntarily taking this action as a precautionary measure. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.”
“There have been no consumer complaints or reports of illness related to this issue to date. The recall is for approximately 100,000 cases of Weight WatchersSmart Ones Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundae frozen desserts. No other sizes, varieties or code dates of Weight WatchersSmart Ones products are included in this recall.”
“We deeply regret this situation and apologize to any consumers we have disappointed. Consumers who purchased this product should not eat it. They should return it to the store where purchased for an exchange or full refund. Consumers can also contact 1-866-572-3805. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, for a full refund. This product was distributed to retailers in the U.S. only.”
Weight Watchers has often had plenty of famous faces associated with their efforts, such as Mayor Cory Booker, seen in the above photo.
Booker and Weight Watchers CEO David Kirchhoff announced an effort for Newark Municipal Employees to further healthier eating habits. Also seen in the above photo is an image of Jennifer Hudson, a celebrity spokesperson who used Weight Watchers to lose weight and keep it off for years.
Weight Watchers really got a boost when Oprah Winfrey decided to become a member, advisor — and most importantly — a big investor in Weight Watchers.
As seen in the below photo from April 19, Oprah greeted several Weight Watchers meeting members in New York City on that day.
Oprah’s Food, Health and Happiness recipe book is shown in the top photo above.
[Featured Image by Kathy Willens/AP Images]
