Woman finds ‘oily frothy liquid’ in ice cream ordered online; why you need to be careful as well

Dr Nandita Iyer posted a picture of the product she received and wrote, “Wonder what Amul is adding to their ice creams these days. Ordered Amul vanilla gold from @ZeptoNow and opened it instantly. An oily frothy liquid has separated out. Gross stuff. Also, this Zepto store isn’t keeping its freezer powered on for sure.”

Wonder what Amul is adding to their ice creams these days. Ordered Amul vanilla gold from @ZeptoNow and opened it instantly. An oily frothy liquid has separated out. Gross stuff.

Also, this Zepto store isn’t keeping its freezer powered on for sure. pic.twitter.com/Hs0gDB8pua

— Dr Nandita Iyer (@saffrontrail) May 18, 2024

Many other users jumped on the bandwagon and revealed how they faced similar issues with food items that they had ordered on the platforms or by certain brands. 

But, what is this liquid that people are raging about?

Dr Narayanaswamy S, senior consultant pediatrician and director at Athreya Hospital tells indianexpress.com, “When ice cream separates into an ‘oily frothy liquid,’ it can be quite unsettling. This typically happens due to the breakdown of the emulsion that keeps the fat and water properly mixed. Such breakdown can occur when ice cream experiences temperature fluctuations, especially cycles of melting and refreezing.” 

For instance, she adds, if ice cream is left out of the freezer for too long or isn’t stored at a consistently cold temperature, the emulsion can’t hold together, causing the fat to separate from the water. This is not an everyday issue in the industry but can happen if the product isn’t handled correctly throughout its journey from the manufacturer to your home. 

Specific storage conditions or practices that could prevent this separation from occurring 

Maintaining the right storage conditions is key to preventing ice cream from separating into an undesirable state, says Dr Narayanaswamy. “Ideally, ice cream should be stored at a consistent temperature of -18°C (0°F) or lower. Good packaging is essential too; it helps keep the cold in and the air out, preventing freezer burn.”

If ice cream has been exposed to warmer temperatures for extended periods, harmful bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes could proliferate. (Source: Freepik)

When transporting ice cream, he states, using insulated containers with dry ice or cold packs can help maintain the necessary cold chain. For retailers and delivery services, monitoring storage temperatures and handling ice cream quickly can make a big difference in maintaining its quality. Ensuring that ice cream is promptly placed back into the freezer after purchase is also crucial to keep it in its best condition.

Potential health risks associated with consuming ice cream that has undergone this kind of separation

“Consuming ice cream that has separated into an oily frothy liquid is not just unpleasant; it might also pose some health risks. The primary concern is microbial contamination. If ice cream has been exposed to warmer temperatures for extended periods, harmful bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes could proliferate, potentially leading to foodborne illness,” cautions Dr Narayanaswamy. 

Additionally, the separation might indicate spoilage, meaning the product could taste off and might be unsafe to eat. “While the risk isn’t always high if the ice cream has been stored correctly, it’s better to err on the side of caution. If you notice any unusual textures, smells, or tastes, it’s best to avoid consuming the ice cream.”