Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream , Inc. – FDA 483, Feb 20, 2026

From January 27 to February 20, 2026, the FDA inspected the Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream facility in Bakersfield, California. The inspection revealed significant failures in the company’s ability to control environmental pathogens, specifically Listeria monocytogenes. Despite internal records showing repeated positive tests for this bacteria in production areas over several years, the firm failed to implement its own corrective action procedures or conduct root-cause investigations. A major concern highlighted by investigators was the lack of proper hygiene among staff. Employees were observed touching unsanitary surfaces—including trash bins, cardboard boxes, stair railings, and even their own shoes—before handling food items such as cookies, peanuts, and fruit pops without washing their hands or changing gloves. Additionally, the facility"s sanitation protocols were found to be inadequate, as they did not require equipment to be re-sanitized after being reassembled following cleaning. These observations were issued under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which regulates food prepared under unsanitary conditions that may pose health risks. While this report does not represent a final legal determination of non-compliance, Dreyer’s is required to respond to the FDA with a detailed plan of corrective actions or provide evidence that these issues have been addressed to ensure consumer safety.