Blue Bell Recalls All Ice Cream Products Over Listeria Concern

Blue Bell Ice Cream is voluntarily recalling all of its products made at all of its facilities due to the potential of a Listeria contamination.

According to a release the recall includes all ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and frozen snacks.

“We're committed to doing the 100 percent right thing, and the best way to do that is to take all of our products off the market until we can be confident that they are all safe,” Blue Bell CEO and President, Paul Kruse said in a release.

Paul Kruse statement and video

Monday's decision was the result of findings from an enhanced sampling program initiated by Blue Bell which revealed that Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream half gallons produced on March 17, 2015 and March 27, 2015 had the bacteria, the release says.

According to the release, this means Blue Bell said several positive tests for the bacteria in different places and plants.

4/3/2015 Related Story: Blue Bell Suspends Broken Arrow Operations After Contamination Found

It's previously been reported that five patients were treated in Kansas and three in Texas.

Blue Bell said the company will implement a “test and hold” where all products will be tested first and held for release to the market only after the tests show they are safe.

In addition to the test and hold, Blue Bell said it will expand its system of cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, expand swabbing and testing plant environment by 800 percent.

The company also said it will send samples daily to a leading microbiology lab for testing and provide additional employee training.

Blue Bell had previously voluntarily suspended operations at its Broken Arrow plant because of the outbreak.

Listeria symptoms are said to be much like food poisoning - nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

Consumers who have purchased items are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information consumers with questions may call 1-866-608-3940 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. CST or go to bluebell.com.