Blue Bell announces ice cream recall for possible listeria contamination

BRENHAM, Texas, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Blue Bell Creameries announced a recall of some ice cream products containing chocolate chip cookie dough over possible listeria contamination, a year after three people died in an unrelated Blue Bell listeria outbreak.

The company said the "potential problem" was identified during routine testing. The dough was made by Aspen Hills Inc., a third-party supplier. Blue Bell said the recall is being conducted with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration "out of an abundance of caution."

"No illnesses have been reported to date, but Blue Bell is taking this step because we remain committed to producing a safe, high-quality, great-tasting ice cream for you and your family to enjoy," the company said.

The recall involves half gallon chocolate chip cookie dough ice creams with code date 082618226, pints with the code dates 081518242 and 082418242 and Cookie Two Step half gallons with the code dates 080418222 and 081818224. The code does are on the bottom of the cartons.

The products were distributed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

In 2015, Blue Bell recalled all of its products after three people died and several were sickened following a listeria outbreak. The company temporarily shut down operations and laid off a third of its workforce. The company agreed to pay $850,000 for allowing "adulterated" products to enter the marketplace.