News Release
July 29, 2016
Texas
health officials today finalized with Blue Bell Creameries a penalty and agreement
that the company will continue to test and monitor its ice cream following last
year’s outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes
linked to Blue Bell products made in Brenham.
The
total penalty amount is $850,000. Of that, $175,000 must be paid within 30 days.
The remaining balance will not have to be paid if the company follows the terms
outlined in the agreement for 18 months. The penalty was issued against the
company because it allowed adulterated product to enter the marketplace and
cause illness.
The
enforcement agreement between Blue Bell and the Texas Department of State
Health Services extends several requirements from a previous agreement for the
next 18 months. Blue Bell must continue to notify DSHS of any presumptive
positive test results for Listeria
monocytogenes in ice cream, ingredients, food surfaces, machinery and other
equipment in its Brenham plant. The company must maintain its “test and hold”
procedures for all finished product, meaning ice cream must be found to be free
of pathogens before it can be sold to the public. As a licensed frozen dessert
manufacturer, the company also must continue to provide state inspectors with
full access to the plant to take samples.
Last
year the company temporarily shut down its Brenham operation following the
discovery of Listeria monocytogenes
in certain ice cream products that were linked to several cases of Listeriosis.
At the time, Texas health officials outlined requirements and milestones the
company had to reach before releasing ice cream into the marketplace. State
health inspectors periodically were on site at the Brenham plant to evaluate
test results and records, review cleaning procedures and assess training
activities.
The
company is currently producing, testing and selling ice cream made at the
plant.
The
enforcement agreement is posted here.
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(News Media Contact: Carrie Williams, 512-776-7119, carrie.williams@dshs.state.tx.us)
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