Listeriosis outbreak linked to ice cream products

March 18, 2015

Ice cream producer Blue Bell Creameries has removed several products from the market after an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections (listeriosis) in Kansas.

Ice cream producer Blue Bell Creameries has removed several products from the market after an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections (listeriosis) in Kansas.

The outbreak is thought likely to be linked to certain Blue Bell brand ice cream products.

Five older adults have become ill and three deaths have been reported among these patients. All five people were hospitalized at the same hospital in Kansas for unrelated problems before developing invasive listeriosis. This finding strongly suggests that their infections were acquired in the hospital, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Of the four ill people for whom information is available on the foods eaten before they became infected, all of them had consumed milkshakes made with a single-serving Blue Bell brand ice cream product called "Scoops" while they were in the hospital.

Subsequent tests found that certain Blue Bell brand ice cream products were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Three strains of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from Blue Bell brand ice cream products had pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns that were indistinguishable from those of Listeria monocytogenes isolates obtained from samples from four patients.

Blue Bell Creameries has now removed affected products from the market, but contaminated ice cream products may still be in people's freezers, CDC warned.

The agency has advised consumers, institutions and retailers to check their freezers for any of these products and throw them away, even if some of the product has been eaten and no one has become ill.

Products removed from the market include: Chocolate Chip Country Cookie (SKU #196), Great Divide Bar (SKU #108), Sour Pop Green Apple Bar (SKU #221), Cotton Candy Bar (SKU #216), Scoops (SKU #117), Vanilla Stick Slices (SKU #964), Almond Bars (SKU #156), 6 Pk Cotton Candy Bars (SKU #245), 6 Pk Sour Pop Green Apple Bars (SKU #249) and 12 Pk No Sugar Added Mooo Bars (SKU #343).

Sponsored Recommendations

Choosing The Right Partner for CHIPS Act Investments

As the U.S. looks to invest in the semiconductor research and production using CHIPS Act 2022 funding, it's important to choose the right partner.

EMWD Uses Technology to Meet Sustainability Goals

Eastern Municipal Water District pilots artificial intelligence-enabled control and machine learning to help save energy, reduce costs, and improve quality.

Protein Processing Solutions: Automation & Control

For protein processors looking to address industry challenges, improve efficiency, and stay ahead in a competitive market, Rockwell Automation offers tailored automation, control...

Automotive Manufacturing Innovation: Smart Solutions for a Connected Future

Rockwell Automation provides automation and control systems tailored for the automotive and tire industries, supporting electric vehicle production, tire production, battery production...