The recall involves multiple package sizes of chocolate chocolate chip, chocolate, and double dark chocolate gelato produced by Illinois-based Zarlengo Italian Ice. According to the FDA, the products contained soy lecithin, but the allergen was not properly declared in the product’s “contains” statement.
The FDA included the recall in its June 16 enforcement report, although the action itself began several months earlier. The affected products were distributed across three states and were recalled voluntarily by the manufacturer.
Food allergen labeling remains a significant regulatory issue in the United States, particularly for consumers who rely on package information to identify ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions. In this case, the concern centered on soy, one of the major allergens recognized under federal food labeling requirements.
Three Chocolate Gelato Varieties Affected by Recall
According to the FDA enforcement report, the recall covers three separate products sold under the Zarlengo’s brand. The first product, Chocolate Chocolate Chip Gelato, was distributed in a range of sizes including 6-fluid-ounce cups, 16-ounce and 32-ounce containers, as well as one-gallon and two-gallon pails. A total of 1,333 units across the various package sizes were affected.
The second recalled product, Chocolate Gelato, was also sold in multiple sizes, including 6-ounce cups, 16-ounce containers, 32-ounce containers, and one-gallon pails. The FDA reported that 757 units were included in that recall. The third product, Double Dark Chocolate Gelato, was distributed in one-gallon buckets with tamper-resistant lids. According to the FDA, 173 units of that product were recalled.
The agency stated that soy lecithin appeared in the ingredient list on the products. The issue arose because soy was not separately identified in the “contains” statement, which is intended to clearly alert consumers to the presence of major allergens.
Recall Was Initiated in March and Classified as Class II
According to FDA records, Zarlengo Italian Ice initiated the recall on March 26, 2026. The agency assigned a Class II classification on April 3, 2026, and later included the action in its June enforcement report.
The FDA defines a Class II recall as a situation in which exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is considered remote.
The recall was listed as a voluntary action initiated by the company. FDA records show that notifications were carried out through multiple channels, including email, fax, letters, press releases, telephone calls, or in-person visits. The products were distributed in Illinois, Indiana, and Texas. The FDA’s event record identifies Zarlengo Italian Ice, based in Chicago Heights, Illinois, as the recalling firm.
According to the FDA, no public press release was issued for this recall. The agency’s event listing also indicates that the recall process has been completed. The reason for the recall remained consistent across all three products: soy lecithin was listed among the ingredients, but soy was not declared in the products’ allergen statement.
