Dive Brief:
- Blue Bell Creameries' gradual recalls are over — the company is now voluntarily pulling all of its products, citing the potential for listeria contamination. No product will be left untouched, including all brands and flavors of its ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and frozen snacks.
- The recall affects retail outlets, including food service accounts, convenience stores, and supermarkets, in nearly two dozen states and international locations.
- The decision came after test results from an enhanced sampling program ordered by Blue Bell became the latest of now several positive tests for listeria found by the company, confirming contaminations in multiple places and plants.
Dive Insight:
Paul Kruse, Blue Bell CEO and president, said in a statement, "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. We are heartbroken about this situation and apologize to all of our loyal Blue Bell fans and customers."
The real question here is if Blue Bell will be able to bounce back from this recall.