The traces of Listeria were discovered at Blue Bell’s Alabama plant during “intensified internal testing” in the cookie dough made and supplied by Aspen Hills.
“Consumers should not eat the recalled products and are encouraged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund,” the company said in an issued statement.
The recall covers Blue Bell chocolate chip cookie dough in half gallons and pints, and its Cookie Two Step in half gallons, distributed in ten states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
“Although our products in the marketplace have passed our test and hold program, which requires that finished product samples test negative for Listeria monocytogenes, Blue Bell is initiating this recall out of an abundance of caution. This recall is being conducted in cooperation with the FDA,” the company said in a statement.
Listeriosis can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly, others with a weakened immune system, or pregnant women, sometimes leading to miscarriages and stillbirths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“No illnesses have been reported to date, but Blue Bell is taking this step because we remain committed to producing a safe, high-quality, great-tasting ice cream for you and your family to enjoy,” the statement said.
Second recall in two years
Last summer, the Department of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control launched a criminal investigation into Blue Bell Creameries, which is still ongoing, over Listeria contamination of its ice cream that was linked to three deaths.
