The Texas Health Department fined Blue Bell Creameries $850,000 as a penalty for last year’s deadly Listeria outbreak. A Listeria contamination was found at all three Blue Bell plants — Texas, Oklahoma and Alabama — resulting in a national recall of all company products.
Texas and Blue Bell finalized the penalty agreement last week. According to state health officials, Blue Bell must pay $175,000 within the first 30 days. The ice cream manufacturer can avoid paying the remaining balance if it complies with additional reporting and food safety requirements outlined in the agreement for 18 months.