A listeria outbreak led to Blue Bell Creameries to recall their entire product line as of April 20, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and other frozen snacks. These products have been sold in volume throughout 23 states.
The recall was due to the possibility that a deadly bacteria potentially contaminated the products, which could cause serious illness or death, according to a news story reported on CNN.
Blue Bell Creameries issued a press release stating that the company was voluntarily recalling all of its products produced at any of its facilities, as they may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which if ingested, can cause serious or fatal infections in young children, elderly persons and people with compromised immune systems.
Healthy persons who are infected may suffer high fever, severe headache, nausea, diarrhea, and other unpleasant and painful symptoms. There is also a serious risk to pregnant women, with the potential for the bacteria to lead to miscarriage or stillbirth or passing the infection to the baby, as reported in the press release issued by Blue Bell.
The company voluntarily recalled their products as they discovered in their “advanced sampling program” that their Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream (half gallon size) produced on March 17 and March 27 were found to have the listeria bacteria present in the product. The company reports that three patients in Texas t have already been tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes infection.
CNN further reports that there have been three deaths in Kansas from listeria, possibly as a result of ingesting Blue Bell Creameries products. Five people who were infected with the bacteria were all patients at the same hospital (each being treated for a different condition), and four of them are confirmed as having consumed milkshakes that contained Blue Bell Creameries Ice Cream.
In Texas, three patients were infected between 2011 and 2014, and the CDC reports that the listeria strains found in the patients were almost identical to the strains found in ice cream produced at the company’s Oklahoma plant.
The CDC recommends that consumers do not eat any Blue Bell products, and that any institution no longer serve or sell these potentially dangerous items. The CDC is involved in a complex and ongoing multistate investigation that spans several years of listeria outbreaks and reports that the investigation indicates that Blue Bell products are the source of the outbreak.
Blue Bell Creameries recently issued a recall of all its ice cream and other frozen products due to a listeria outbreak. Here is an explanation of the situation based on the provided information:
Key Points:
- Recall: Blue Bell Creameries recalled all its products, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and other frozen snacks on April 20 due to a listeria outbreak.
- Reason: The recall was initiated because of the potential contamination of the products with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria that can cause serious illness or death.
- Symptoms: Ingesting the bacteria can lead to high fever, severe headache, nausea, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms. It poses a serious risk to young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
- Incidents: Three patients in Texas tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes infection after consuming Blue Bell Ice Cream. Additionally, there have been three deaths in Kansas linked to listeria, possibly due to Blue Bell products.
- CDC Recommendations: The CDC advises consumers to avoid eating any Blue Bell products and recommends that institutions stop serving or selling these items due to the potential danger.
- Investigation: The CDC is conducting a thorough investigation into the listeria outbreaks, spanning several years, and indicates that Blue Bell products are the likely source of the outbreak.
Implications of the Outbreak:
- Serious health risks associated with Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
- Potential for severe illness or even fatalities, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Urgent need for recalls and consumer awareness to prevent further infections.
- Highlighting the importance of food safety measures in production facilities.
It is crucial for consumers to stay informed about product recalls, follow public health advisories, and prioritize food safety to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes.
Symptoms of Listeria Infection (Lysteriosis)
Any person who has consumed Blue Bell Creamery products should be on alert for the symptoms of Lysteriosis, particularly pregnant women, children, the elderly or those with diseases that compromise the immune system, such as diabetes, kidney failure, liver disease or HIV. The symptoms to watch for include:
- Fever
- Muscle Aches
- Diarrhea
- Other intestinal problems
- Invasive infection (bacteria spread to the blood or central nervous system)
- Meningitis
- Stiff neck
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
Legal Assistance and Compensation:
- Seeking legal assistance from firms specializing in foodborne illness cases can help individuals understand their rights and pursue compensation for damages incurred due to contaminated products.
- Legal professionals can assist in navigating the complex legal process, gathering evidence, and advocating for victims to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
Importance of Awareness and Action:
- Being aware of symptoms associated with Listeria infection and seeking prompt medical attention are crucial steps in managing the illness effectively.
- If you or a loved one experience symptoms after consuming recalled products like those from Blue Bell Creameries, it is essential to seek medical care and consider legal advice to address any health issues and potential legal recourse.
By understanding the symptoms of Listeriosis, recognizing the importance of prompt medical attention, and considering legal assistance in cases of foodborne illness outbreaks, individuals can protect their health, seek appropriate treatment, and potentially pursue compensation for damages caused by contaminated products.
Call Herrman & Herrman in Corpus Christi if you or a loved one has suffered any of the symptoms of listeria bacterial infection. The firm will help you to take the legal action needed to recover compensation for all damages. Call now.
Importance of Seeking Legal Assistance:
- If you or a family member have suffered from symptoms of Listeria infection after consuming contaminated products, it is essential to consider seeking legal guidance to understand your rights and options.
- Legal firms specializing in such cases can help individuals navigate the process of seeking compensation for medical expenses, suffering, and other damages caused by foodborne illnesses.
It is crucial to prioritize health and safety by being aware of symptoms related to foodborne illnesses like Listeriosis, especially in cases where a product recall has been issued due to contamination concerns. Seeking appropriate medical attention and legal advice can be important steps in addressing any health issues and seeking compensation if necessary.
Sources:
- CNN: Blue Bell Listeria Outbreak Dates to 2010
- Blue Bell Creameries: Blue Bell Creameries Voluntarily Expands Recall to Include All of its Products Due to Possible Health Risks
- CDC: Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Blue Bell Creameries Products
- CDC: Signs and Symptoms of Listeria Infection from Blue Bell Ice Cream
