Unlike most other bacteria, listeria can grow and multiply in the refrigerator, the CDC warned, although Jackson said finding the bug in ice cream is rare.
The outbreak in Blue Bell products is one of the first times it has been seen in ice cream, he said. “Over the years, listeria outbreaks have mostly been among soft cheeses, deli meats and other ready-to-eat meats,” Jackson said.
Listeria bacteria can live in a food-processing factory for years, sometimes contaminating food products, according to the CDC.
In the Blue Bell matter, the CDC said three people in Texas became ill between 2011 and 2014 after eating the ice cream. Five other illnesses in Kansas from January 2014 to January 2015 were linked to milkshakes made with the company’s ice cream.
The incubation period for listeria is anywhere from three to 70 days, Glatter said, adding symptoms of illness usually develop within two weeks to one month after exposure.
According to the Blue Bell statement, the company “expects to resume distribution soon on a limited basis once it is confident in the safety of its product.”
Consumers who have purchased the recalled items are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, consumers with questions may call 1-866-608-3940 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST or go to bluebell.com.
More information
For more about listeria, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.