Blue Bell Recall
Overview
Blue Bell Ice Cream of Brenham has voluntarily recalled all of its products currently on the market. The recall stemmed from the detection of Listeria monocytogenes at its facility, possibly contaminating the company’s ice creams, frozen yogurt, sherbert and frozen snacks. This means Blue Bell has now had several positive tests for Listeria in different places and plants; and as previously reported, five patients were treated in Kansas and three in Texas after testing positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
Facts
- The CDC receives reports of about roughly 600 cases of listeria- that is considered rare
- It takes the outbreaks extremely seriously and infection with listeria monocytogenes has been on the list of diseases that must be reported to authorities since 2001
- It can be fatal in many cases even with early treatment with antibiotics
- It usually only affects the elderly and pregnant women
Aftermath
They are implementing a procedure called “test and hold” for all products made at all of its manufacturing facilities. Which means that all products will be tested first and held for release to the market only after the tests show they are safe. The Broken Arrow facility in Oklahoma will remain closed as Blue Bell continues to investigate.