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Risks of Eating Listeria Recalled Blue Bell Ice Cream

Tainted Blue Bell ice cream has been linked to at least ten episodes of the food borne illness Listerosis, or Listeria infection. All of the identified victims were hospital patients, which is concerning because Listera infections are most serious for people with vulnerable immune systems. Three of those victims have died.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials are investigating an outbreak of listeriosis linked to certain Blue Bell Creameries ice cream products.

What is a Listeria Infection?

Listeriosis is a severe type of food poisoning caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that is commonly found in soil and water. Dairy products, including ice cream, can be contaminated when milk is used from cows that are infected with the bacteria. Listeria bacteria can survive refrigeration and even freezing.

Listeria infections can be fatal for those in high risks groups, namely the elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems. Although healthy people may suffer only short-term symptoms, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women and is the same bacterium that causes gynecologists to warn pregnant women to abstain from eating deli meats.

What are the Early Symptoms of Listeriosis?

Symptoms can appear from a few days up to two months after consumption of the contaminated food. [1]

Anyone who experiences fever and muscle aches, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms, or develop fever and chills after eating the ice cream should seek medical care.

If the listeria infection spreads to the nervous system, signs and symptoms may include:

  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion or changes in alertness
  • Loss of balance
  • Convulsions

During pregnancy, a listeria infection is likely to cause only mild signs and symptoms in the mother. The consequences for the baby, however, may be devastating. The baby may die unexpectedly before birth or experience a life-threatening infection within the first few days after birth.

As in adults, the signs and symptoms of a listeria infection in a newborn can be subtle, but may include:

  • Little interest in feeding
  • Irritability
  • Fever
  • Vomiting

Brain Damage alleged as a result of eating Blue Bell Ice Cream

The first Listeria recall lawsuit filed against Blue Bell includes allegations by a 32 year old man whose brain damage injuries have never been reported by the CDC. His lawsuit explains that he developed severe listeriosis infection which caused extensive damage, leaving him unconscious and near death. His severe condition leaves him unable to work and required him to move several states away for his family to take care of him.

What Products Have Been Recalled?

As of April 20, 2015, Blue Bell Creameries voluntarily expanded its recall to include all of its products currently on the market.  This expanded recall includes all ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and frozen snacks made at any Blue Bell facilities.

What Do Consumers Need To Do?

The CDC has asked that Consumers not eat any Blue Bell products. If previously listed products are in your home, Blue Bell has urged consumers to return the items to place of purchase for a full refund or that you throw them away.

Listeria Found in Blue Bell Ice Cream Produced in Texas and Oklahoma

The CDC began reporting on April 20, 2015, that at least ten patients were hospitalized in four states after being infected with bacteria strains of Listera monocytogenes.  The first outbreak patient of this group was hospitalized in January 2010, but recent cases have emerged through 2015.

This coincided with evidence of specific rare strains of Listeria found in Blue Bell Creameries’ plants in Brenham, Texas and in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.  The popular Texas brand recalled all of its products and launched a massive clean-up effort.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time Listeria has been found in Blue Bell ice cream. As early as 2013, Blue Bell creameries found locations within their facilities that tested positive for Listeria.  In February 2015, the South Carolina health department discovered seven different rare strains of Listeria in products that were distributed to the state.

When the Texas health department investigated, they confirmed Listeria contaminated Chocolate Chip Country Cookie Sandwich, the Great Divide Bar ice cream, and Scoops single-serving ice cream, were all made on the same production line.

Additionally after Listeria was found in a pint of Banana Pudding Ice Cream, Blue Bell shut down the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma facility and recalled all products made on that production line between February 12 and March 27, 2015.

Do I have a Blue Bell Ice Cream Lawsuit?

Watts Guerra LLP is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.

Written by:

Paige Boldt
Watts Guerra LLP
4 Dominion Drive, Bldg 3, Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78257
Phone (210) 447-0500

© Watts Guerra LLP 2015

[1] Mayo Clinic – http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/basics/symptoms/con-20031039