| Share it

ADVERTISEMENT

February 1, 2007 | Issue 4-10

CANTON, Mass., -- In the wake of recent corporate scandals, many executives of top companies have begun to speak out against illegal and unethical practices they have witnessed. Now add Baskin-Robbins to that ever-growing list. The familiar ice cream folks who claim to provide 31 flavorful ways to enjoy the frozen treat are now facing questions about that very claim to fame.

The allegation: 29 flavors are masquerading as 31.

According to a former Baskin-Robbins executive speaking under a condition of anonymity, there have not been almonds in Jamoca® Almond Fudge since late 2002. The sudden rise in almond prices may have forced the company to start passing off small chunks of ice as almonds in the flavor. As the ice cream giant also has a Jamoca® flavor, there is currently no difference between the two.

Even worse may be how Baskin-Robbins allegedly didn't even bother producing Oregon Blackberry.

"They had all this outdated Very Berry Strawberry in storage,” said the source. “So they just decided that they could put it out and tell people it was blackberry."

A company spokesperson offered no information on the alleged flavor scandal. "We will continue to delight customers with our irresistible treats at our more than 5,600 retail shops in 40 countries," said Jan Herst, when asked about the origin of Oregon Blackberry.

In Washington, politicians are taking notice of the charges against the ice cream superpower. An investigative commission has already been called for in the House, and the fallout from any other cover-ups will likely be harsh given the stream of corporate fraud over the past several years.

Another potential scandal that could put the company on the hot seat: Baskin-Robbins customers have raised questions over recent years about the decrease in sample spoon size. Many feel the capacity of those little pink spoons has been decreasing steadily, causing decreased flavor preparation.