(RxWiki News) Months after Blue Bell Creameries closed its facilities due to listeria contamination in its ice cream, the company is reporting that it has found more listeria in one of its facilities.
The listeria was found in an unnamed Blue Bell facility, not the actual ice cream, the company noted in a press release. Blue Bell announced that it would be testing "every single batch of ice cream we make before it is sold to customers."
Company officials said they expect to find some listeria — and they plan to attack it with a "seek and destroy" process. Also according to the company, some listeria in a large facility may be normal.
"Because listeria is commonly found in the natural environment, no manufacturer can ever assume it can be entirely eradicated," according to the company statement.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause nausea, diarrhea, fever and muscle pain. Infections usually resolve without the need for emergency care, but the disease can be deadly to patients who are very old or very young or who have compromised immune systems.
Last April, Blue Bell halted production at its three facilities following reports of listeria contamination in its ice cream. Ten illnesses were reported in four states, reports Reuters. Three deaths were reported.
Blue Bell has since begun a gradual effort to return its products to stores. Company officials said the new report of listeria in Blue Bell facilities would not affect the company's plan.
"We will continue to work closely with our regulatory agencies, as we have throughout this process, and our number one priority will continue to be making sure our products are safe for our customers to enjoy," according to Blue Bell.
