June 1, 2015 — Blue Bell Creameries has come to an agreement with the Alabama Department of Public Health that will help ensure their ice cream products are not contaminated with Listeria when they return to store shelves.
Texas-based Blue Bell will implement a “test and hold” procedure at its production facility in Sylacauga, Alabama, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Blue Bell will also take the following steps:
- Look for possible or actual sources of Listeria contamination
- Hire an independent microbiology expert to establish and review procedures to prevent future Listeria outbreaks
- Tell the health department about any positive Listeria tests on ingredients or finished products, and give the state full access to all testing
- Implement as “Pathogen Monitoring Program (PMP)” outlining how the company will respond to any future positive Listeria tests
Nearly identical plans have already been implemented in Oklahoma and Texas, where Blue Bell also has production facilities.
It is not clear when the ice cream will return to store shelves. In Texas, about 1,400 employees were furloughed and another 1,450 employees were fired (about 37% of the company’s total work force of 3,900), according to a statement from CEO Paul Kruse.
The FDA said at least 17 positive Listeria tests went unreported since 2013. Since 2010, at least 10 people have been sickened, including three who died, after eating Listeria-tainted ice cream.
Do I have a Blue Bell Ice Cream Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Blue Bell ice cream induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Listeria, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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