Blue Bell Ice Cream Recall Reaches Georgia

By Sherri Lonon

Texas-based Blue Bell Ice Cream has issued its second recall in more than 100 years, right on the heels of its first, thanks to a fear of possible listeria contamination.

The latest recall extends to numerous states with 3-ounce institutional/food service cups of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla being pulled in such areas as Florida, Georgia and Virginia, among others.

There is a concern that these ice cream cups with tab lids may be contaminated with Listeria, a potentially fatal organism that causes fever, headaches, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported in a media release. The potentially tainted containers of ice cream were produced at Blue Bell’s plant in Broken Arrow, Okla., in April and were shipped out via food service accounts to a number of states.

“These cups are not sold (through) retail outlets such as convenience stores and supermarkets,” the release notes. Rather, consumers would encounter them in commercial locations, such as cafeterias and restaurants.

The cups included in the recall are:

• Ice Cream Cup Chocolate (3 FL OZ) No UPC - SKU #453
• Ice Cream Cup Strawberry (3 FL OZ) No UPC - SKU #452
• Ice Cream Cup Vanilla (3 FL OZ) No UPC – SKU #451

To date, there have been no reported illnesses.

“This recall in no way includes Blue Bell Ice Cream half gallons, pints, quarts, 3 gallons or other 3 oz. cups,” the release states.

Blue Bell’s first recall in more than 100 years was issued earlier this month when listeria bacteria were discovered in samples of such products as Blue Bell Chocolate Chip Country Cookies, Vanilla Stick Slices, Cotton Candy Bars and No Sugar Added Moo Bars, the Palm Beach Post reported. For more information about the first recall, visit the FDA’s website.

Consumers who have purchased the latest recall items through food service accounts can return them to place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, call 1-979-836-7977, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.