HOUSTON (AP) – Blue Bell is facing another round of recalled products, but believes a “robust” testing program implemented following last year’s listeria contamination is creating safe treats.
The current recall involves a third-party supplier’s chocolate chip cookie dough that was potentially contaminated with listeria. Texas-based Blue Bell and supplier Iowa-based Aspen Hills Inc. expanded their initial recalls this week.
State inspection records show testing increased at Blue Bell’s flagship Brenham creamery after last year’s recall.
Various preliminary tests from December 2015 through July indicated the presence of listeria in some non-food contact areas, including a break room and a floor drain. The company did additional cleaning and repairs to correct that, but no recall was needed.
Experts say the current recall isn’t likely to bring about a substantial loss of customers despite more regulatory and public scrutiny.
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