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BRENHAM, Texas, July 15 (UPI) -- Blue Bell Creameries announced that billionaire businessman Sid Bass is investing in the company to help it return its products to market after a massive recall over listeria contamination. Bass, who will be a partner in Blue Bell, is active in oil, gas and carbon black businesses and has managed long-term investments with the likes of the Walt Disney Co.. He is a graduate of Yale University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
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The company did not disclose the amount of Bass' investment. In May, the company announced a layoff of 37 percent of its workforce.
Blue Bell Creameries, once the third highest-selling ice cream brand in the United States, had to shut down production in Oklahoma, Arkansas and other locations following a national recall in April. Blue Bell ice cream was identified as the cause of 10 instances of listeria illness, including three deaths in Kansas.
An FDA investigation found that Blue Bell was aware of the listeria problem for nearly two years before issuing a recall. Blue Bell products have been off the store shelves since.
No information regarding the time frame for their return has surfaced, but the company did announce that test productions runs would take place at its Alabama plant.
The company said that it would improve its testing procedures and reconfigure its factories in order to avoid condensation from dripping onto its ice cream products. The installation of additional troughs and splash guards will make this possible, as will a new requirement for company workers to wear coverings in the production area.
At least one lawsuit has been filed as a result of the contamination.
