Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream Inc. recalls Outshine Fruit Bars Grape, 6-Count 2.5 ounce, with UPC 041548244044, packaged in paper outer cartons; individual fruit

What was recalled

In a move to protect public health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall notice concerning a specific batch of frozen treats from Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream Inc. This action, dated August 18, 2026, targets a particular variety of Outshine Fruit Bars in the grape flavor. While many consumers enjoy these icy snacks for their refreshing taste and convenience, this specific product line has been identified as potentially unsafe due to manufacturing inconsistencies that introduced foreign materials into the food supply.

The exact items under recall are the Outshine Fruit Bars Grape, sold in 6-count packages where each individual bar weighs 2.5 ounces. These products were packaged in paper outer cartons, with the individual fruit bars themselves wrapped in plastic. To ensure you can accurately identify whether your freezer contains one of these affected units, it is critical to look at both the Universal Product Code (UPC) and the batch code printed on the bottom of the package. The specific UPC associated with this recall is 041548244044. Without this precise code, or without matching the batch codes listed below, you likely do not have a product subject to this specific safety alert.

The recall applies to products with the following batch codes and corresponding "Best Before" dates printed on the bottom of the packaging:

• Batch code LLA616803, Best Before 30 SEP 2027
• Batch code LLA616903, Best Before 30 SEP 2027
• Batch code LLA619703, Best Before 31 OCT 2027
• Batch code LLA619803, Best Before 31 OCT 2027
• Batch code LLA619903, Best Before 31 OCT 2027
• Batch code LLA620003, Best Before 31 OCT 2027
• Batch code LLA620103, Best Before 31 OCT 2027
• Batch code LLA620203, Best Before 31 OCT 2027
• Batch code LLA620303, Best Before 31 OCT 2027

These affected products were distributed across a wide geographic area, indicating that they may be found in grocery stores, convenience shops, or big-box retailers in numerous states. The distribution pattern includes Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you reside in any of these areas and recently purchased grape Outshine Fruit Bars, it is wise to inspect your freezer inventory carefully.

It is important to note that the manufacturer recommends keeping these products at 0°F (-18°C) or colder to maintain quality. However, proper storage does not mitigate the primary safety concern of this recall. The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, which signifies that use of or exposure to the violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. While the specific remedy for consumers has not been explicitly detailed in the initial facts provided, the recognition of the hazard is the first step in ensuring your safety.

The hazard, explained

When we talk about a Class II FDA recall involving foreign objects in food, we are addressing a specific type of physical contamination that poses a significant risk to consumer safety. In this particular case, the hazard is glass. Glass is not an ingredient in Dreyer’s Grand Outshine Fruit Bars, nor is it intended to be part of the final product. Instead, it represents an unintended intrusion into the food supply chain, likely originating from the manufacturing environment, packaging materials, or quality control processes. Understanding why this is dangerous requires looking at the physical properties of glass and how it interacts with the human body when ingested.

Glass shards are particularly hazardous because they are hard, sharp, and often invisible to the naked eye, especially when embedded in a frozen product like these grape fruit bars. Unlike soft contaminants that might be easily detected or passed through the digestive system without issue, glass maintains its structural integrity. When a piece of glass is swallowed, it does not dissolve or break down in the stomach. Instead, it travels with the food as it moves through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. The sharp edges of even microscopic fragments can act like tiny blades against the delicate mucosal lining of your digestive tract.

The primary mechanism of injury is mechanical trauma. As the contaminated fruit bar melts or is chewed, any glass particles are released into the mouth and throat. If a shard is large enough, it can cause immediate lacerations to the lips, tongue, gums, or the roof of the mouth. More dangerously, if the fragment is swallowed, it can puncture or tear the tissues of the esophagus. This can lead to severe pain, difficulty swallowing, and potentially life-threatening complications such as perforation, where a hole forms in the wall of the digestive tube. Such injuries often require emergency medical attention, including hospitalization and surgery, to repair the damage and prevent infection.

Beyond immediate physical cuts, there is the risk of internal bleeding and infection. The gastrointestinal tract is home to billions of bacteria. When glass creates a breach in the intestinal wall, these bacteria can escape into the sterile tissues of the abdominal cavity, leading to peritonitis or sepsis. Additionally, because the product is frozen and packaged individually, consumers might not inspect each bar closely before consumption. The cold temperature can also dull sensory awareness, making it harder to feel a sharp object in the mouth until significant damage has been done. This is why the FDA classifies this as a Class II recall: while it may not always result in serious health consequences for every individual, there is a substantial chance of injury if the contaminated product is consumed without detection.

It is important to note that glass contamination can occur at various stages. It might come from broken light fixtures in the facility, shattered inspection windows, or even fragments from packaging machinery. In the case of Outshine Fruit Bars, the hazard exists within the paper carton and plastic wrapper, meaning the outer packaging does not protect against internal contamination. The glass could have been introduced before the fruit mixture was frozen or during the wrapping process. Because these bars are consumed whole or in large pieces, there is no filtering step (like straining a soup) that would remove the hazard. This makes vigilance and immediate disposal critical for anyone who possesses the affected batches.

Who is most at risk

When we talk about who is most vulnerable in a food recall involving foreign objects like glass, it is important to look beyond just the age of the consumer and consider physical ability, dietary habits, and even the psychological experience of eating. The primary group owning or using this specific product—Dreyer's Grand Outshine Fruit Bars Grape—are families, individuals seeking a cool treat on a hot day, and retailers in the thirty-six states and territories listed above. While anyone who consumes these bars faces the same physical danger from glass shards, certain populations are at significantly higher risk for severe harm or for being unable to detect the hazard before it causes injury.

Children are often the most critical group to consider in this scenario. First, they have smaller teeth and less developed jaw strength than adults, which means a small piece of glass that an adult might easily bite through without issue could become lodged in a child’s throat or cause significant damage to their gums and tongue. Second, children are naturally more likely to eat frozen treats quickly and with less caution. They may not pause to inspect the texture of the fruit bar as carefully as an adult might, increasing the chance that they swallow a fragment before realizing something is wrong. Furthermore, young children may not always have the vocabulary or composure to immediately report pain or the sensation of a sharp object, potentially delaying critical medical attention.

Elderly individuals also face heightened risks for several physiological reasons. As people age, their teeth often become more brittle or may be replaced by dentures and bridges, which can be easily cracked or damaged by hard foreign objects like glass. More importantly, many older adults have reduced saliva production or slower swallowing reflexes due to natural aging or medication side effects. This can make it harder to clear a small debris particle from the mouth or esophagus, increasing the risk of choking or internal scratches that could lead to infection. Additionally, if an elderly person has underlying health conditions such as diabetes or compromised immune systems, even minor internal injuries from glass shards can heal more slowly and carry a higher risk of complications.

We must also consider individuals with dental work or specific medical devices in their mouths. Anyone with braces, retainers, crowns, or implants is at greater risk because the hard structure of glass can break orthodontic wires or dislodge expensive dental restorations, leading to painful and costly repairs. Similarly, people with gastrointestinal sensitivities or conditions like Crohn’s disease may suffer more severe consequences from any internal abrasion caused by foreign material, as their digestive tracts are already prone to inflammation and slower healing.

Finally, while this is a general concern, the nature of the product—a frozen fruit bar—means that consumers might be eating it while distracted, driving, or working. This lack of focus applies to all ages but can be particularly dangerous for those who may have slight vision impairments or slower reaction times, making it harder to stop eating immediately upon feeling an unusual texture. Recognizing these vulnerabilities helps us understand why this Class II recall is taken seriously: it protects not just the average consumer, but those whose bodies are less able to cope with the unexpected trauma of a foreign object in their food.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you open your freezer or head back to the store, it is important to take a moment to carefully inspect what you have on hand. Identifying the specific product involved in this recall requires checking several distinct features on the packaging. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified a very specific batch of Outshine Fruit Bars that are subject to this safety notice. If you purchased grape-flavored fruit bars recently, do not assume they are safe based solely on the flavor or brand name alone; you must verify the exact package details.

First, look at the front of the box. You are looking for a 6-count package of Outshine Fruit Bars in the Grape flavor. Each individual bar inside should be wrapped in clear plastic, and the outer packaging is made of paper. The net weight per count is 2.5 ounces. While many grape-flavored treats exist on grocery store shelves, this particular recall only applies to the specific configuration described here.

The most critical step is to locate the Unique Product Code (UPC) and the batch information printed on the bottom of the carton. The UPC must match 041548244044 exactly. Below or near this code, you will find a "Best Before" date and a corresponding lot code. These codes are printed in two lines. You need to check if your package matches any of the following specific combinations:

• Lot Code LLA616803 with a Best Before date of 30 SEP 2027
• Lot Code LLA616903 with a Best Before date of 30 SEP 2027
• Lot Code LLA619703 with a Best Before date of 31 OCT 2027
• Lot Code LLA619803 with a Best Before date of 31 OCT 2027
• Lot Code LLA619903 with a Best Before date of 31 OCT 2027
• Lot Code LLA620003 with a Best Before date of 31 OCT 2027
• Lot Code LLA620103 with a Best Before date of 31 OCT 2027
• Lot Code LLA620203 with a Best Before date of 31 OCT 2027
• Lot Code LLA620303 with a Best Before date of 31 OCT 2027

If your package does not match the UPC code 041548244044 or if the lot code and expiration date do not appear in the list above, your product is likely safe from this specific recall. However, if you find a match, do not consume the fruit bars. The risk involves potential glass fragments within the product, which can cause serious injury. Keep the package sealed to prevent any accidental exposure to the hazard until you can dispose of it or return it according to the instructions provided by Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream Inc.

What to do — step by step

If you have purchased Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Inc. Outshine Fruit Bars in Grape flavor, specifically the 6-Count packages containing individual 2.5-ounce bars wrapped in plastic and housed in paper outer cartons, your immediate priority is to prevent any potential harm. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued this recall because these products may contain pieces of glass. While the official remedy for this specific recall dated August 18, 2026, was not explicitly stated by the agency in the provided records, standard safety protocol for foreign object hazards in food requires you to take immediate action to ensure your safety and that of your household.

1. Stop consumption immediately. Do not eat any of the recalled fruit bars. Even if you do not see any visible damage or irregularities on the surface of the ice cream bar, glass can be hidden inside the frozen product. It is impossible to reliably identify foreign objects by sight alone once they are embedded in the food matrix. Continuing to consume these products poses a serious risk of cuts to the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
2. Inspect your freezer. Locate the specific product by checking the bottom of the package for the batch code and best-by date. The recalled items have the UPC 041548244044 on the bottom of the package. The affected batch codes are LLA616803, LLA619703, LLA619803, LLA619903, LLA620003, LLA620103, and LLA620203, which have a best-before date of either September 30, 2027, or October 31, 2027. If you find these codes, do not taste-test the product to confirm its safety.
3. Dispose of the product safely. Because the remedy was not explicitly outlined in the initial recall notice, the safest course of action is to discard the product. Place the frozen bars in a sealed bag or container before putting them in the trash to prevent anyone else, such as sanitation workers or scavengers, from accidentally accessing them. If you are uncomfortable discarding them without verification, consult the FDA’s official consumer update page for this specific recall ID for further instructions.
4. Contact the manufacturer or retailer. Since the remedy is not stated, you should reach out to Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Inc. customer service directly. They can provide specific guidance on whether a refund or replacement is available. You may also contact the store where you made the purchase; many retailers will process refunds for recalled items even if they are past the expiration date, provided you have proof of purchase.
5. Monitor your health. If you or any family member has already consumed one of these bars, watch for symptoms such as pain in the mouth, throat, or abdomen, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing. If you experience any of these issues, seek medical attention promptly and inform the healthcare provider about the potential exposure to glass.

By following these steps, you protect yourself and others from unnecessary risk. This is a Class II recall, indicating that use of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, but it is still taken seriously by federal regulators. Your caution is warranted and responsible.

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

When a product recall occurs, the most immediate concern for many consumers is how to resolve the issue with their purchase. In this specific case involving Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream Inc., it is important to approach the situation with clarity and patience regarding the available remedies. According to the official records provided by the FDA, the company has not stated a specific remedy for this recall. This means that there are no official instructions detailing whether you will receive a full refund, a replacement product, or any other form of compensation through a standard return process. While it might be tempting to assume that a refund is automatically guaranteed, the absence of a stated remedy in the official recall notice requires us to look at what is actually documented rather than what we might hope for.

The primary reason for this lack of specific remediation details often lies in the nature of the hazard and the distribution pattern. Because the recalled Outshine Fruit Bars were distributed across a wide range of states—including Alabama, California, Florida, New York, Texas, and many others—the logistics of processing individual refunds can be complex. In many food recalls involving foreign object hazards like glass, the priority is strictly on removing the product from the supply chain to prevent injury. The company’s focus is likely on containment and public safety notification rather than establishing a centralized claims portal for every single consumer who may have purchased the item months ago.

Despite the lack of a stated remedy, you are not without options if you wish to seek resolution. Since no direct contact information or refund process is listed in the recall facts, your best course of action is to check the place where you made the purchase. Many retailers have their own policies for handling recalled items, even when the manufacturer does not provide a specific refund mechanism. You may be able to return the product to the store for a credit or refund based on their customer service guidelines. Keep your receipt if you have it, as this will serve as proof of purchase and help streamline any potential reimbursement through the retailer.

If you cannot locate your receipt or wish to contact the manufacturer directly, you may try reaching out to Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream Inc. through their general customer service channels, though the recall notice does not provide a specific phone number or email address for this purpose. It is worth noting that because the remedy is not stated, you should manage your expectations accordingly. The official stance is one of caution and removal, not necessarily financial restitution. However, by staying informed and checking back with the FDA’s database, you can ensure that any updates to the recall status, including new remediation details, are communicated to the public promptly.

In summary, while a clear path for refunds or replacements is not outlined in the current recall facts, your recourse lies primarily with the retailer where you bought the product. Always prioritize your safety by discarding or returning the item immediately, as the risk of glass contamination is serious. Keeping an eye on official government updates will help you stay informed if any changes to the remedy process are announced in the future.

What can happen if you ignore it

When a recall is issued for foreign objects like glass in food products, the primary concern is immediate physical injury rather than long-term illness. Glass is an inert material, meaning it does not dissolve or react with your body’s tissues, but its physical properties make it exceptionally dangerous when ingested. If you continue to consume the recalled Outshine Fruit Bars without checking the batch codes, you are taking a significant risk of sustaining lacerations (cuts) to the soft tissues in your mouth, tongue, and throat. The sharp edges of broken glass can easily slice the delicate lining of the esophagus as the bar is swallowed, leading to pain, bleeding, and potential difficulty swallowing.

The situation becomes far more serious if any fragments pass through the stomach and into the intestines. Glass shards are rigid and do not break down during digestion. They can puncture the intestinal wall, a condition known as perforation. This is a medical emergency that often requires immediate surgery to repair the damage. A perforated intestine allows bacteria from the digestive tract to leak into the sterile abdominal cavity, which can lead to peritonitis (a severe infection of the abdomen) or sepsis (a life-threatening response to infection throughout the body). These complications are not common in every case of ingestion, but they are well-documented risks associated with consuming foreign objects like glass.

In some cases, smaller fragments may remain lodged in the tissue for a longer period before causing obvious symptoms. This can lead to chronic pain, abscesses (collections of pus), or blockages in the digestive tract. Even if you do not experience immediate pain after swallowing a piece of glass, internal damage can still occur. Symptoms might be delayed, appearing hours or even days later as inflammation sets in or an infection begins to develop. Waiting for symptoms to appear before seeking help is dangerous because early intervention can prevent minor injuries from becoming major surgical emergencies.

It is important to note that the FDA classification of this recall as Class II indicates that use of or exposure to the adulterated product may cause temporary or medically reversible serious injury, or pose a threat of serious injury. While the provided recall facts do not list specific reported incidents or injuries at this time, the potential for harm is real and unpredictable. You cannot know if your specific package contains glass until you inspect it or return it. Ignoring the recall does not reduce the risk; it only increases the likelihood that you will be the one to encounter a dangerous fragment. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your family is safe is worth more than the inconvenience of disposing of the product.

• Oral Injuries: Cuts to the lips, tongue, gums, and throat that can cause bleeding and difficulty speaking or swallowing.
• Gastrointestinal Perforation: Punctures in the stomach or intestines that require emergency surgery and hospitalization.
• Infection Risk: Potential for severe infections like peritonitis if internal organs are pierced, which can become life-threatening if not treated quickly.

Staying safe: broader tips

While specific product recalls are necessary when manufacturing defects occur, the most effective way to protect your household is through a combination of proactive vigilance and general food safety habits. Glass fragments in food products, while rare, represent a serious physical hazard because they are invisible, odorless, and can cause severe internal injuries or dental damage. Since you cannot rely on sight alone to detect microscopic shards, your best defense lies in how you handle, inspect, and store your groceries.

First, develop a routine of visual inspection before consumption. This is especially important for frozen goods that have been through multiple handling stages—from the factory line to the distributor, to the grocery shelf, and finally into your freezer cart. When you bring items home, take a moment to look at the packaging for any signs of tampering, punctures, or unusual swelling. If the outer carton is damaged, the seal is broken, or the product appears frozen in an irregular shape (which might indicate thawing and refreezing), it is wise to inspect the contents more closely. Do not taste-test a product if you suspect contamination; instead, set it aside immediately.

Proper storage is equally critical. As noted with many frozen treats, keeping items at 0°F (-18°C) or colder ensures they remain solid and intact. However, beyond temperature control, consider the longevity of your products. Even if a product has not been recalled, check "Best By" dates regularly. Older stock in your freezer is more susceptible to packaging degradation from ice crystal formation or freezer burn, which can compromise the integrity of the wrapper and potentially allow for external contamination. Rotate your freezer items so that newer purchases are placed behind older ones, ensuring you use products while their packaging is still fresh and secure.

Finally, stay informed about broader safety trends without becoming overwhelmed by fear. Sign up for alerts from the FDA’s Food Safety News or local health departments. These updates often highlight patterns—such as a specific type of foreign material being found in certain brands—that can help you be more cautious with similar products in the future. Remember that recalls are a sign of a functioning safety system, not necessarily a reason to distrust all food manufacturers. By maintaining clean kitchen practices, inspecting packaging upon purchase, and storing goods correctly, you significantly reduce your risk of encountering hazards like glass or other foreign objects in your food.

• Inspect packaging for tears, punctures, or swelling before buying frozen goods.
• Check "Best By" dates and prioritize older stock to ensure wrapper integrity.
• Never taste a product if you suspect physical contamination; discard it safely.
• Register for FDA food safety alerts to stay informed about industry-wide issues.