Walmart recalls ice cream commemorating Juneteenth after receiving a heavy backlash, a report says

• Walmart has faced heavy criticism over a Juneteenth-related ice cream product.
• The retailer has pulled the ice cream from shelves and issued an apology, Fox 7 Austin reported.

Walmart is removing from shelves an ice cream product that commemorated Juneteenth, a US holiday that marks the freedom of enslaved African Americans, according to reports.

Local outlet FOX 7 Austin first reported the news.

Social media was abuzz with comments from users who were angered by the product, which featured a swirl of red velvet and cheesecake flavors. Many criticized the company for appearing to capitalize on the holiday and its history.

"Juneteenth holiday marks a celebration of freedom and independence," Walmart said in a statement to FOX television stations. "However, we received feedback that a few items caused concern for some of our customers and we sincerely apologize. We are reviewing our assortment and will remove items as appropriate."

Walmart did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment made outside of normal working hours.

Last year, President Joe Biden enacted a law to make Juneteenth, which takes place on June 19, a federal holiday. The holiday has been celebrated since the late 1800s and recognized in the majority of US states. The push to make it a federal holiday, however, gained momentum following protests in response to George Floyd's murder by a white police officer.

Social media images show that Walmart's label on the ice cream read: "Share and celebrate African-American culture, emancipation and enduring hope."

Comedian Roy Wood Jr. was among those who ridiculed the ice cream. "Would you like some Juneteenth Ice cream on a Juneteenth plate as you sip your beer in a Juneteenth Koozie?" he tweeted.