(PCM) Tragically, three people have died in Kansas after consuming Blue Bell ice cream products that tested positive for Listeria. Now, Blue Bell has made the decision to recall their products, which is a first in the company’s 108-year history.
The individuals who died became ill at a Kansas hospital between January 2014 and January 2015. The ice cream was not linked to their deaths until recently when four strains of listeria monocytogenes were discovered in Blue Bell products during routine testing at the company’s South Carolina distribution center.
Blue Bell’s creamery in Texas was contacted and further testing at the Texas creamery also found positive listeria samples. The affected products (see list below) have been removed from the market and the company’s production line has been temporarily shut down.
Chocolate Chip Country Cookie SKU #196.
Great Divide Bar SKU #108.
Sour Pop Green Apple Bar SKU #221.
Cotton Candy Bar SKU # 216.
Scoops SKU #117.
Vanilla Stick Slices SKU #964.
Almond Bars SKU #156.
6-pack Cotton Candy Bars SKU #245.
6-pack Sour Pop Green Apple Bars SKU #249.
12-pack No Sugar Added Mooo Bars SKU #343.
It is worth noting that the affected products were most likely not sold in grocery store or retail chains but rather available in hospitals and food service restaurants. Blue Bell products are distributed to 23 different states. If you discover any of the affected products please discard them immediately and do not consume. Cups, pints, and half gallons were not included in the recall advisory.
