Blue Bell test production plan in Alabama
The firm said there is no exact date to begin or for when ice cream sales will resume.
Blue Bell brand products were the source of an outbreak of listeriosis which sickened 10 people in four states and played a part in three deaths.
When production resumes at the Sylacauga plant, it will be on a limited basis as it seeks to confirm new procedures, facility enhancements and employee training have been effective.
Upon completion of the trial, Blue Bell will begin building inventory to return to the market.
The Sylacauga plant was chosen for the trial because it is a smaller facility than the Brenham plant, so improvements have been completed sooner.
“We have been working diligently to prepare our facilities to resume test production, and our focus throughout this process has been to ensure the public that when our products return to market, they are safe,” said Greg Bridges, vice president of operations for Blue Bell.
