On Monday, April 20th, Texas ice cream maker Blue Bell Creameries widely expanded a voluntary recall of its ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sherbet products over Listeria bacteria concerns. Blue Bell ice cream products are sold in North Carolina and 22 other states. The company is seeking the return of all of its products currently on the market.
Listeria is a bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it has traced eight related cases of Listeria, three of which resulted in deaths.
Unlike many other potential food contaminants, Listeria can keep growing under refrigerated conditions. The incubation period can range from three days to 70 days.
"Many North Carolina restaurants use Blue Bell ice cream, so you should ask before you order," says Isaac Thorp, a Raleigh attorney who handles product recall claims.