Blue Bunny Ice Cream

[pitter patter]

I was looking at the Blue Bunny site and noticed that they have many products listed as "nut allergan free".  Has anyone called Blue Bunny?  Does anyone know if these products are safe?  Are they run on dedicated equipment?  I emailed them, but have not yet received a response.

[hezzier]

I'll be interested in reading what you find out.

[MandCmama]

I believe that this is the ice cream they have at Outback.  If so, I recall other members here saying they order tubs of it through their local outback because it is PA/TNA safe.

[CMdeux]

Outback = Blue BELL ice cream.


Blue BUNNY =/= Blue BELL.

Have no idea w/r/t safety of Blue Bunny at this time, but historically none of it has been safe.

[GingerPye]

Blue Bunny is made by Wells Dairy in LeMars, Iowa.  Are you contacting Blue Bunny or Blue Bell?

Here is allergen info from Blue Bunny, including info about equipment and cleaning procedures (I'd still call):

http://www.bluebunny.com/About/FAQ/Products.aspx

[pitter patter]

I just got off the phone with Blue Bunny.  I was told that there is no dedicated equipment or facility.  They do the allergan wash/dismantle equipment process.  I pointed out that labeling their products "nut allergan free" is misleading.  The rep agreed and said that they were in the process of removing that distinction from the website.  I am extremely disappointed, to say the least.          I'm not surprised, though.  I am beginning to get used to this kind of disappointment.    I wish I could be one of those parents who are ok with the standard equipment wash procedure.  I have two friend with PA kids and their kids eat anything without a warning--regardless of manufacturer.  Neither have ever had a reaction.  But I just can't bring myself to do this.

I do know that Blue Bell has some safe ice cream, but it is not sold here in California.

FAs are so depressing. 

[CMdeux]

Ugh.

Well, I am glad that they gave you straight information when they spoke with you, at least.


Not so thrilled about the (dangerously?) misleading labeling, though.   

[rebekahc]

From the above link...

The Quality Assurance Department reviews weekly production orders to ensure non-allergen products are manufactured first. When bulk flavors are produced, flavors are arranged in an order that prevents one flavor from being contaminated by the preceding flavor. If the possibility exists, an equipment washout is performed. In the rare instance where a flavor change is made on a novelty run during a shift, the same procedure is followed. Ordinarily, the same product is run on a novelty line for an entire shift; the machine is then dismantled, scrubbed and sanitized before the next shift. All Wells’ manufacturing facilities are Safe Quality Foods (SQF) certified.

This is the same policy/procedure that resulted in DS's anaphylactic reaction to breakfast cereal when he was 5.   

[gufyduck]

I wanted to add that when  I was new to allergies, I mixed up blue bunny and blue bell, and did have a reaction.  Not an epi reaction, but a definite reaction.

[YouKnowWho]

Not sure if it's within your comfort level but we do use Breyer's All Natural Vanilla.  I know others here use other flavors as well but I just get nervous.  And more than once we have goofed and got the vanilla with egg in it - we are good at reading labels with new packages of food as a double check at home. 

I wish Edys/Dreyers would revoke their peanut free symbol as well.  Gotta love a good PF label on an ice cream that includes peanut oil (I know, I know oil doesn't cause a reaction for most but still...).

[Jessica]

We also use breyer's vanilla (all types of vanilla) and also ben & jerry's that read safe.

[joshsmom]

Turkey Hill does not have any peanuts or treenuts on the line for the vanilla and chocolate. All add ins are done on different attachments. Unless something has changed since the fall, but my son eats this all the time. We also do Breyers vanilla and chocolate.

[pitter patter]

Can those of you who eat Breyer's vanilla and Ben and Jerry's tell me why you feel comfortable doing so?  Do these companies label for shared equipment or have dedicated equipment?  Are their cleaning procedures exemplary?  I would appreciate any feedback.  THanks!

[Jessica]

For me it's just based on track record and cleaning procedures. Normally I wouldn't be this lax but with ice cream there aren't any other choices around here. We are very watchful when dd eats ice cream. She is 16 and has been eating Breyer's Vanilla and safe Ben & Jerry's flavors for at least 8 yrs or so.

[pitter patter]

Jessica, thank  you for your response.  How do you determine which Ben & Jerry's favors are safe?